David Evans O’Brien loved God’s Word. He loved to preach it. He loved to help people better understand
the Bible, especially the Old Testament. He brought the Word to life in fresh ways in the pulpit, in the
classroom, and in conversation. He was a pastor who taught the Bible, and a teacher who pastored his
students. He was a wise counselor.
He was grateful to have studied at St. Paul Bible College, Bethel Seminary, University of Wisconsin, and
Wheaton Graduate school. He was keenly interested in biblical archaeology and Hebrew studies. He was
a writer, editor and consultant of scholarly work for several biblical publishing houses. He was a scholar
and an Everyman.
An SIM missionary for the last 29 years of his working life, Dave filled a variety of roles in Liberia, Nigeria,
the United States and Kenya. He deeply valued the SIM mission family and considered himself and wife
Sheryl wealthy in world-wide friendships.
Dave was a Marine, a wrestler and a wrestling coach, a Vikings and Twins fan, an avid woodworker and
remodeler of homes and parsonages, a photographer, gardener, poet, and repairman. He loved to
travel. His idea of bliss was to be at the wheel heading west, or on a flight back to Africa. He was
generous and had great compassion for those suffering physically or from any form of injustice.
He was courageous in the face of life’s adversities and forgiving in the face of disappointments.
Ephesians 4:11-12 was a favorite Scripture encapsuling his life’s calling. “It was He (Jesus) who gave
some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers,
to prepare God’s people for works of service…”
Dave passed in the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 11, 2023, in Sebring FL after enduring
Alzheimer’s disease for more than seven years.
Born November 23, 1940, in Minneapolis MN to L. E. O’Brien and Velma Thomasson O’Brien, he was
preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Michael Earl O’Brien. Bowling Green native Sheryl Mertz O’Brien, his wife and ministry partner of 55 years, anticipates being with him again soon at the feet of Jesus. Dave is survived by their children, Michael (Julia) O’Brien, New York NY, Erin (Isaac) O’Brien-Herr, Greenville SC, Cate (Jonathan Beardsley) O’Brien, Nairobi KE, and Meaghan O’Brien, Rochester, NY as well as sisters-in-law Janilyn Mertz Dennis, Bowling Green, OH, Shirley (Jay) Platte, Ft. Wayne IN, two nieces and five nephews.
His pride and joy were granddaughters Tirzah O’Brien-Herr and Davida Beardsley, and grandsons Liam
O’Brien, Pax O’Brien-Herr, Ioan O’Brien, and Ayowole Beardsley. They all loved their wonderful Baba.
Actually, we all will love him forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.changeofpacefl.com,
https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com, or https://www.simusa.org/give Project #96903 church/school
ministries.
A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for 2:00 p.m., November 21, 2023, at Good Shepherd Church,
13110 Moss Road, Charlotte NC.
