Monte Ray Briggs

Monte Ray Briggs of Kenner, LA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 10, 2021 in Honolulu, HI at the age of 78. He was born on July 11, 1942 in Baker, Montana and grew up in Miles City, Montana. He joined the US Navy in 1959 and traveled the world proudly serving his country. He served in the Vietnam War and at one point he served on the U.S.S. Reeves whose purpose was to perform search and rescue for downed pilots. He received an honorable discharge after serving 20 years of active service. Monte’s last duty station was at Pearl Harbor and after retiring from the Navy, he decided to make Hawaii his home and worked at Pearl Harbor Shipyard. He lived in Hawaii for over 20 years before moving to Kenner, Louisiana to be closer to his children in 1999. While living in Kenner, Monte worked for Avondale Shipyard until he retired.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Florence Charlotte Briggs. Although they were only married 24 years, Monte and Flo were together almost 40 years. Father of Bobby Briggs (Kim), Jeff Briggs (Michele), Sharon Briggs and Michael Briggs and step father to Donnie DeRego, Lyman DeRego and Byron DeRego. Grandfather to Lena Briggs (Tommy), Brandon Briggs, Christopher Serpas, Lorilei Briggs, Travis Briggs, Heather Hartwell, Lynnell Hartwell, Jeffrey Briggs, Jr., Kalani Rae Briggs, Wendy Briggs Morris (Jesse), Brook Diggs, Sgt. Aaron Briggs (Kellie), Jessica Rae Briggs and Kristina Briggs (Angelina) and Great Grandfather to 20. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other beloved friends and relatives. Former husband to Ethel Watts.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Borghild LeNoue, his father, David Briggs, a brother, Wayne Gjerde and stepchildren Gail Dynne and Desmond DeRego. He is survived by one brother, Darrell Gjerde of Laurel, MT and five sisters, Louise Yocom of Newman Lake, WA, Brenda Gjerde of Billings, MT, Evelyn Barnaby of Miles City, MT, Charlene Nash of Miles City, MT and Gena LeNoue McCormick of Billings, MT.

When the kids were growing up, Monte used to race dirt track stock cars and passed on his love of cars to his son, Jeff. He was proud of his service in the US Navy. He is a lifetime member of the VFW with 43 years of membership and has had continuous membership with the Fleet Reserve since 1974. He was an active member of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 046 and VFW Post 970 while living in Hawaii. He served as the All-American Post Commander in 1996-1997 and the All State Post Commander in 1997-1998.

Since moving to Louisiana, he continued to be actively involved in the VFW, the American Legion and the Fleet Reserve. Monte was the current Commander of VFW Post 7732 in Kenner and held that position since 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Post Senior Commander for 2 years (2012-2014). He was also the State District 2 Commander for 2019-2020. In his spare time, Monte enjoyed watching NASCAR and football and spending time with family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., near Clearview Pkwy., in Metairie, LA on Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. There will be a VFW/American Legion/Fleet Reserve Military Service at 12:30 followed by a chapel service at 1:00 PM. A repast will follow at the American Legion Post 350, 1023 Ridgewood, Metairie, LA 70001

Final interment will be at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City, MT.

Flowers are welcome or a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.