Staff Report
Walter James O’Brien, 91, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026. He was born on December 24, 1934, in Santa Rita, New Mexico.
Walter earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from New Mexico State University, where he met the love of his life, Geraldine Shipley. Following his studies, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as a meteorologist, stationed in Los Angeles, California, during the late 1950s.
Walter and Geraldine raised four children and later moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Walter completed his doctorate in civil engineering. He joined the faculty at the University of Kansas, where he was a respected professor and a lifelong, devoted Jayhawks basketball fan.
He went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a civil engineer with Black & Veatch, based first in Kansas City, Missouri, and later in Dallas, Texas. His expertise and leadership contributed to numerous successful projects, including work in Puerto Rico and international projects in Vietnam, Thailand, and Australia.
Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine O’Brien; his brother, John O’Brien; his son, Michael O’Brien; and his grandson, Dale O’Brien.
He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren: Edward O’Brien and his wife, Sandra, and their children, Stephanie, Lindsey, and Leslie; Gloria O’Brien and her husband, Art Lee, and their children, Holly Lebre (husband Ron Cogburn) and Ash Lebre (wife Shanan Lebre); and Katherine O’Brien and her husband, Jeff Robinson, and their children, Dorothea and Matilda Robinson (fiancé Cameron Denton). He is also survived by his sisterin- law, Fran O’Brien, and her three children: Patrick O’Brien (wife Alicia) and their children, Liam and Brigid; Greg O’Brien; and Deborah O’Brien (husband Michael Flowers) and their children, Caileigh and Emma.
In retirement, Walter and Geraldine settled in Buda, Texas, where they spent many cherished hours with their grandchildren, Dorothea and Matilda. Walter was a Buda Buddy at Buda Elementary, an active member of Santa Cruz Catholic Church, and dedicated his time to the Lions Club and the Buda Parks Committee, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and community involvement.
Walter James O’Brien will be remembered for his sense of humor, intellect, integrity, devotion to family, and lasting contributions to his profession and community.
Walter’s remains will be placed in the columbarium at John Paul II Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, next to his wife and near his brother. A celebration of life for the immediate family will follow.
