Sfc (Ret)Richard Briggs

Funeral services for SFC (Ret) Richard Briggs, 78, of Milford, KS will be 1 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2009 at Second Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Leonard Gray officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fort Riley Cemetery. Richard passed away January 4, 2009 at Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Medical Center in Topeka, KS. Visitation will be from 6-8pm, Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline, Junction City, KS, 66441. Memorial contributions may be given to the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 701 W. 10th and/or the South Kiwanis Club both of Junction City, KS 66441.

Richard attended L.W. Sullivan High School in Morrilton, Arkansas, and completed his high school education with his classmates in the Army's regular education program. In 1983, he graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor Degree in Science. He was a certified Teacher and did substitute teaching in the USD #475 School District.

Mr. Briggs married Preola J. Templeton on November 24, 1951 in Blackwell, Arkansas. To this union four children were born: Helen Margarea, Juanita Valerie, Richard Scott, and Malcom Keith Briggs.

Vowing to serve his country, Richard entered the United States Army in June of 1948. He spent 29 1/2 years, retiring as a SFC. While on active duty, he received many medals and awards.

After Military retirement, Richard was a successful and respected business man in Junction City.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Willie, Eddie, Sylvester, Isaiah, Johnnie, Sam, and Israel; sisters: Lottie Cunningham, Helen Tyler and Amy Moore, and son: Richard Scott Briggs.

Richard's life, his encouragement and presence will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of the home, Preola J. Briggs, two daughters: Helen Margarea Briggs of Olathe, Kansas, Juanita Valerie Briggs of Milford, Kansas and one son, Malcom Keith (Matuskcha) of St. Louis, Missouri; two brothers: Altrus (Mae) Briggs and Bobby Briggs, both of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandchildren: Brayton Scott Briggs and Aniston Eslanda Briggs of St. Louis, Missouri; a host of brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, an aunt, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.