Colonel Edwin O'Connor

Asheville ~ Colonel Edwin O’Connor Jr., 88, of Asheville, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2005 at his residence. He was born in Lindsey, Oklahoma on November 15, 1917 to Colonel Edwin O’Connor, U.S. Calvary and Nelle Frost O’Connor. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1940 and was commissioned a Lieutenant, U.S. Army Artillery. He served in World War II at Anzio in Italy and in Northern Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was married to Kathryne Bosbyshell on June 15, 1942 at Fort Sam Houston. Following World War II, Colonel O’Connor attended The University of Pennsylvania and received a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He also served tours of duty in London, England. Colonel O’Connor retired in 1964 in Washington, D.C. and began a second career with IBM, retiring a second time in 1981. Colonel O’Connor earned the following decorations and awards: Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Croix de Guerre, and Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, World War II Victory Medal, Army Overseas Medal and National Defense Service Medal. While his father was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Colonel O’Connor attended Jefferson High School, graduating with the class of 1936. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Kathryne Bosbyshell O’Connor of Asheville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church with Father Roger Arnsparger and Deacon Art Kingsley officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.