Carl Stanley Briggs went to his eternal home on April 12, 2021 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was born December 30, 1923 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Daniel M. and Lula M. Briggs (Palmer). He completed his high school coursework in three and one half years at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. He would have been a member of graduating class of 1943 but was inducted into the army in February of that year.
Carl was drafted into the army in 1943 and served as a surgical technician during WWII. He was assigned to Medical detachment, 341st Infantry, 86th Division, known as the Blackhawks. Carl served in Germany where he was involved in the infamous battle of the Rhur Pocket. He also saw action in France and was aboard ship enroute to invade Japan but was diverted to the Philippines when Japan surrendered. Through the Army Carl was awarded the Bronze Star some 60 years after being discharged.
On December 3, 1949, Carl was able to marry the love of his life and lifetime soulmate Edna Marie Halford. He was so proud of each of his 7 children as they were born. This joy was felt too each time he got to hold a new grandchild, new great grandchild, and great great grandchild.
Carl earned a living and supported his family of nine working as a brick layer and masonry contractor. After retirement he continued taking the occasional brick job until well into his 80s. He taught a masonry class at Gordon Cooper Technology Center and was a lifetime member and former president of bricklayers local 5.
Carl was life-long outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Fishing was more a passion than a hobby and he was happiest when sharing his fishing expertise, and the occasional critique, with whomever was nearby. Another hobby was being a musician in which in his younger years where he earned a living playing the tenor banjo in a dance band. As a musician, Carl once played at a dance where country music artist Bob Wills also performed. He then continued playing just for fun for most of his life.
Every year Carl planted a garden and he even started one this year. Over the years, many meals in the Briggs household have been entirely produced on the property. In recent years he returned to a favored pastime, stamp collecting.
Carl enjoyed watching OU football and traveling and often combined the two. He and Edna travelled together to attended games in Hawaii and Miami, Florida. Their travels took them on a cruise to Cancun and weeklong excursion on Lake Powell in a house boat.
He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church since 1958 and served on the church board of trustees. For his church he helped to plan, build, and complete a life center addition for it and then celebrated the day the mortgage for that building was paid off.
Other significant moments of Carl’s life were being escorted by his son on a WWII Veterans Freedom Flight to visit the WWII memorial and tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington, DC.
Carl was a former Scoutmaster and founder of Troop 424 and was involved in the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years. Through this he received the Silver Beaver Award. This award was given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it. Due to his work in scouts he received a commendation from the Oklahoma State Legislature for outstanding work as a scouting volunteer.
Carl’s biggest joy in his life was spending as much time as he could with family. He did that often and was surrounded by that joy in his home during his final days.
He is preceded in death by his parents Daniel M. and Lula M. Briggs; brothers Danny Briggs, Walter Briggs, Harold Briggs, and James Briggs.
He is survived by his wife Edna Briggs; son Terry Briggs and wife Pam of North Richland Hills, TX; son Patrick Briggs of Meeker, OK; daughter Connie Mathews and husband Jim Wilkens of Shawnee, OK; son Randy Briggs and wife Debbie of Tecumseh, OK; daughter Nancy Boyer and husband Chuck of Shawnee, OK; son Royce Briggs and wife Kathie of Meeker, OK; and son Michael Briggs of Shawnee, OK; sister-in-law Margie Briggs of Oklahoma City, OK; 19 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 1 niece, and 1 nephew.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Bethel United Methodist Church.
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