John Anthony O'Rourke, age 66, took his final breath at 10:18 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in the arms of his daughter, Kellie Renfro, and passed into the arms of Jesus. John was born June 18, 1957, in Dallas, Texas to Joe and Evelyn O'Rourke.

John graduated high school in 1975 and then went to Texas Tech University. He would determine after a few years that he was ready to begin his career, and left school to pursue a job in policing. In 1980, he began his training with the Fort Worth Police Department. While still in the academy, on St. Patrick's Day 1981, John learned that a family member had been involved in an accident and was in a hospital in Tyler, Texas. He made the drive to Tyler and upon his entry into the hospital he spotted a beautiful nurse. As luck would have it, she then entered the room he was in, and they had a conversation. The connection was instant, and 3 days later John drove all the way from Dallas to Tyler again, just to see the naturally beautiful nursing student, even though his family member was no longer admitted.

John and Kathleen were married on December 5, 1981. John's police career was successfully underway and they both desired to start a family. After several miscarriages and being told she'd never successfully carry a child to term, Kathleen gave birth to Kellie Kathleen on November 6, 1985. Their second child, John Patrick, was born June 26, 1987.

In 1987, John learned of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was born again. His life was made new, and he and Kathleen would spend the next 35 years serving the Lord. They were devout Jesus followers, and although in their later years they were not physically well enough to attend church in person, they watched thousands of sermons at home and enjoyed nightly prayer time together as a family. His salvation and the salvation of his family was of the utmost importance to him.

John was unfortunately injured on-duty so severely that he had to take an early medical retirement in the 90's. He missed police work terribly but used his newfound free time to become even more involved in his kids' lives and extracurriculars. He never missed a game or competition and even served as a dance team booster club president. He would also use his outstanding writing skills to help his children write their research papers throughout school. This commitment to his children would carry on into their adult lives as he helped prepare his daughter for a career in policing by helping her work out every day, and assisting his son set up business accounts and prepare reports.

John had an out-of-this-world memory, and could recount, with great detail, stories from all stages of his life. His intention was always to write a book about his life. In notebooks throughout the house and in his phone are pages upon pages of stories from his childhood, to life on the streets as a police officer, to the struggles he and Kathleen faced in their older age. It is his daughter's desire to put together as many of these as she can to one day share with his family and friends.

With John's many injuries and ailments, Kathleen always stayed by his side. Ever the healthier one, it took everyone by surprise when a minor surgery went wrong, and she became ill and ultimately lost her fight on April 30, 2023. He always thought he would be the first to go and was not prepared to live this life without his one true love. She thought he wouldn't last six months without her. He lasted nine; but what a tough nine months they were, filled with grief, cancer, and pain. At the end, he was ready to go. He knew exactly where he would spend his eternity and he was prepared to see his Creator face to face and once again be with his loving wife. His last few days were spent at his daughter's home, surrounded by the sights and sounds of life, which he loved. If ever a man loved the Lord, that man was John. Well done, good and faithful servant.

He is survived by his daughter Kellie Renfro and husband Shaun, son Patrick, grandchildren Grayson and Eli, brothers Joe and Michael, and sisters Mary, Patricia, and Sharon.

A celebration of life and love will be held for both John and Kathleen on February 23, 2024, at Living Hope Bible Church in Mansfield at 10:00 a.m.