John Briggs

John "Frank" Briggs, 81 of Odessa, TX passed away at home after a long illness on January 15, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born December 4, 1934 to John G. and Florence (Smith) Briggs in San Angelo, TX joining an older sister, Evelyn. The family moved to Kermit, TX in 1936. During his high school career, Frank excelled in varsity football. He was a "B" in what was known as the "B" side of the "O" line-made up of Briggs, Bolf and Burns. After graduation in 1953, Frank attended college in San Angelo and North Texas University. Frank enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 where he was stationed at Ft. MacArthur, CA. After his enlistment Frank returned to Kermit, TX and was employed at El Paso Natural Gas until 1968.
On February 17, 1961, Frank married Ruby Geraldine "Gerri" Carroll. February 17, 2016, they would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

While the family lived in Marlow, OK, Frank enjoyed supporting the Marlow Outlaw Sports programs which his son John participated in. During that same time, he became a Mason in Marlow Masonic Lodge ad later advancing to a 32nd degree with the Grand Lodge of McAlester.
Frank spent most of his working career supporting his family in the oil industry. His career took him around the globe from South America to Africa, Norway, the North Sea, and Australia. Many of those years were spent with Phillips Oil Company. Frank retired as a drilling supervisor in 1993 to spend more time with his wife, travel, see his children and grandchildren and watch his son John coach football. Later, he continued to do occasional consulting work.

In 1982, Frank and Gerri moved to Odessa, TX to be closer to aging parents. He became a member of the Odessa Junior College Booster Club where he enjoyed supporting the basketball team with his friends. He also became a member of the Odessa Masonic Lodge. He served his community by volunteering with the Meals on Wheels program.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Beverly of Fort Worth and his beloved miniature schnauzer Prissy.

Survivors include his sister Evelyn (Briggs) Martin of Arlington, TX, wife Gerri of the home, son John C. "Jay" Briggs of Holdenville, OK, grandchildren Charissa and John Aaron of Sacramento, CA, daughter Patti and (Randy) Bishop, grandchildren Brandi and Anthony all of Grand Prairie, TX, son John Frank II and (Cheri) of Granbury, TX, grandchildren Adam and Ashely of Waco, TX and Kylie also of Granbury, TX.
Niece and nephews, Debbie Chumchal of Mansfield, TX, Bruce Martin of Arizona and Lance Martin of Indiana.
Great-grandchildren, Kean Brock, Miriam Arch, Darby McGee, Brice Breshears, Aiden Carter, Riley Pelkie, Addison and Theo Goldenberg, and Davin Reinke all of Waco, TX.
Frank's and Gerri's first great-great grandchild will be born in April to Darby and Logan McGee.

In closing, Frank was able to spend his final birthday celebration with his granddaughter Brandi whose birthday is the day after his. Most of his loving family surrounded him.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, January 19, 2015 sit 1:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Chapel with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Braswell, officiating. Interment will follow immediately after.

Pallbearers are James Burns, C.R. Carlson, Pete English, Julian Presley, Vance Horsely and Jason Gregg.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. To sign our guestbook, please go to www.sunsetodessa.com.

Visitation

Visitation

Sunset Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, January 18, 2016
5:00-7:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762