John O. Briggs
John Orion Briggs of Grand Prairie, TX, went to be with his beloved wife, Delight, and sons, John Michael and Steve, July 28, 2021, along with other family and friends that passed before him into heaven.
John was born in Independence, to Sydney Briggs and Irene (Nelson) Briggs, August 29, 1931. He grew up in the area until a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps took him to California for service. After returning from service, he settled in Ettrick, with his family, until 1966, when he moved his family to Grand Prairie, TX, to take over as Vice President at the Conover Company (Aircraft hardware).
John had a long successful career while juggling work, fathering AND mothering duties for his six children after his dear wife, Delight Jean (Emmons) Briggs, went to heaven before him in 1967.
He almost single-handily raised his six children to be hard-working, productive and fair. In fact, John was honored as “Mother” of the year in on Mother’s Day 1983, in the Grand Prairie newspaper and on an NBC local news story. John also made time to make sure his kids were exposed to things he loved growing up, like hunting, fishing, all outdoor activities, and sports.
John continued to work into his 70s, and retired from work life from Rheaco, Inc. in Grand Prairie, TX. After retiring, he continued enjoying life by regularly visiting friends at Rolling Hills, sharing time with his long-time friend, Daris Simmonds, watching the Texas Rangers and golfing, and especially enjoyed watching his beloved Green Bay Packers (he was a proud stock shareholder in the Packers) and cooking for family and friends. He also loved doting on his great granddaughter Kennedy Jo “Kiki” Boyd.
As a long-time member of Rolling Hills Country club in Arlington, TX, he loved playing golf until his body would no longer allow, but, moreover, the many friends and long-standing relationships he made there. It is nearly impossible to express how much he relished those times and the people who were all a part of that close-knit fraternity.
John, lived a long, fulfilling and productive life, and the simplest pleasures in life brought him the greatest of joy. He truly loved cooking and doing for others, and nothing made him happier than to make sure everyone felt welcome and truly believed in the motto “the more the merrier”. He also continued honoring the Lord by attending regular Mass every week at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas.
John will be sorely missed by many who loved him dearly.
He is survived by brother, Russell Briggs of Canal Winchester, OH; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Mitchell) Briggs of Ettrick; sons: Timothy (Julie) Briggs of Mansfield, TX, Terry L Briggs of Grand Prairie, TX; Susan Briggs of Irving, TX, and Mari L. Briggs of Grand Prairie, TX; grandchildren: Casey (Michelle, Abery) Boyd of Roanoke, TX, Carson Briggs of Mansfield, TX; great-grandchild, Kennedy Jo Boyd of Euless, TX; and numerous Briggs and Emmons nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by wife, Delight J. (Emmons) Briggs; sons: John Michael and Steven; father, Sydney Briggs; mother, Irene (Nelson) Briggs; brother, Robert Briggs; sister, Patricia; brothers: Curtiss Briggs and Leland Briggs.
A mass will be held Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 22650 Washington St., Ettrick, WI 54627. Burial will follow at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers the family asked that memorials be made in John’s name to either St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Ettrick or Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in Arlington, TX.
