Col. Richard W. Briggs
d. December 16, 2021
Col. Richard W. Briggs, age 85, of Athens, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021 at his residence.
Richard was born on November 4, 1936 in Fairbury, IL the son of William and Pearl Morrison – Briggs.
Richard married Diana Shields on August 24, 1957. She preceded him in death on April 20, 2019.
Mourning his passing are two sons, Brett (Jana) Briggs and Brian (Kimberly) Briggs; four grandsons; five great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Joyce) Briggs; sister, Beverly (Robert) Burkhardt; and sister-in-law Joan Briggs.
He is preceded in death by both parents, his wife, one brother.
Richard retired after 37 years in the Army National Guard as a Colonel. He was also an avid outdoors man and woodworker. He enjoyed traveling with Diana in their motorhome. Their biggest and favorite trip was to Alaska.
Richard was a member of the Athens Christian Church.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
Visitation for Richard will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 10 – 11 AM at the Athens Christian Church. Services will immediately follow at 11 AM.
Burial of cremains will take place in Saunemin, IL.
Memorials can be made to Athens Christian Church.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the Briggs family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.
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Posted December 21st, 2021 at 12:30 pm
I took care of Richard Briggs at a nursing home for a few months. I always loved coming to see him everyday as he was always so funny and sweet. He loved my co worker & I so very much. We already miss him like crazy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted December 22nd, 2021 at 12:30 pm
We enjoyed all contacts with Dick & Diana throughout the years at Elliott and after retiring. He will be missed by all who knew him . Life was a challenge for them with Diana as it was a lot of work for Dick but he never complained. Our sympathies are with the family . David and Bev Berry
Posted December 24th, 2021 at 5:58 am
Thoughts and prayers with the family, we were neighbors for many years, a good man who will be missed never forgotten.
Ron and Marilyn Schwabe
Posted January 4th, 2022 at 10:56 am
Dick and Diana were treasured neighbors and friends. Dick came to our door one day and handed us a new flag (ours was a little tattered) That’s how we met!!
Posted January 4th, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Brett, Jana and family,
Kevin and I want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Kevin & Wendy Mattingly
Posted January 7th, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Brett, Brian and Families,
You surely know what brave and courageous parents you had! It’s hard to think of one without thinking of the other! Know how proud they were of you and your families! My late husband, Jerry, and I enjoyed many years of friendship at Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, and also outside of church with them.. Dick was such a good cook and shared prime rib dinners with us several times. Interesting Table Talk!! LOL! Your father was a strong man, and much of that strength came from your dear mother. When he lost her, he lost the will to live. May it give you peace as you realize that they are together again, eternally. Sending hugs as I won’t be able to attend the service.
Posted January 17th, 2022 at 6:51 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time. I used to take care of Richard when I worked at the nursing home he was at for rehab. He was always in good spirits. He made me smile and laugh. He used to tell me stories of his life. He was such a sweet man.