W. 'Mickey' O'Brien , 73, Minot, died Thursday, November 5, 2020 in a Minot nursing home.

Mickey was born December 24, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to William D and Mildred (Foster) O'Brien.  He grew up in Ensley, AL and graduated from Ensley High School in 1964.  Mickey attended the University of Alabama. He was a dedicated member of the Alabama Faithful…'Roll Tide.'

Mickey enlisted in the US Army on February 7, 1967.  He was transferred to the Army Reserves on January 16, 1968.  Mickey served honorably until 1975 when he was transferred to National Guard Duty.  He attained the rank of Major with US Army National Guard and was honorably discharged from service to his country on January 9, 1984.

After the completion of his military career, he returned to Alabama and earned a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. He received his master's degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

He spent his professional life in management for Hardee's in OH and sales primarily in the automotive industry in Birmingham, Al.

He moved to North Dakota in 2002 and was joined in marriage to Phyllis Darkow on November 14, 2014 in Minot, where they made their home.

Mickey was a lifetime fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and dedicated fan of NASCAR and the Allison Family.  He enjoyed assembling miniature model cars in his spare time and keeping up with AL football statistics.  He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to serve along side him but most of all by those who called him Daddy, husband and friend.

Mickey is survived by his wife, Phyllis O'Brien, Minot; daughter Lani (Jeff) Hartley, Mt. Olive, AL, and grandson Dylan (Sara Catherine) Tyler, Trussville, AL.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents.

No formal services are planned at this time.