Ronald "Dean" O'Brien

Ronald "Dean" O'Brien, 69, of DeGraff, passed away at 12:32 a.m. on January 12, 2026, at Vancrest of Urbana. He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on October 17, 1956, to the late Robert Albert O'Brien and Willadean Emily (Mefford) O'Brien, who survives.

Dean is also survived by sisters-in-law, Judy Boyd and Angie O'Brien; nieces and nephews, Rachel (Michael) Phelps, Sarah (Shane) Boggs, Marshal O'Brien, Lauren O'Brien, and Eli O'Brien; great nephews, Damen Eugene Young, and Hudson Robert Phelps; and numerous cousins.

Along with his father, Dean was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert "Gene" O'Brien and Jeff O'Brien.

Dean graduated from Graham High School. Afterward, he began working for DAB and later joined Honda of America, Marysville Auto Plant, where he retired following 32 years of service. Dean attended the Church of Christ in Christian Union and, above all, devoted his time to caring for his mother. He will be remembered by everyone who knew and loved him.

Pastor Michael Phillips will officiate a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home, 101 Zanesfield Rd. West Liberty. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Springhills Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of Christ in Christian Union, 1669 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY is honored to serve the O'Brien family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at eichholtzdaring.com

KVH