Lewis "John" W. Briggs

Saturday morning, January 5th, Lewis “Johnny” W. Briggs found peace surrounded by his family in his home with the wonderful care of Hospice. Lewis was born September 11, 1935 in the town of Kortright, NY. He was the third of five children. He attended South Kortright Central School. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army and spent time in Alaska and Arizona. Following his honorable discharge from the Army Lewis worked at Feather and Screen with his Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry Briggs. On June 16, 1963 he married Fern Doyle and shortly after joined the New York State Department of Transportation where he eventually retired from after 28 years.

Throughout his life he was a volunteer firefighter with the East Meredith Fire Department, a member of the National Rifle Association, enjoyed hunting, and was an avid golfer at Colonial Ridge Golf Course in Laurens, NY. Lewis spent many years flipping pancakes at his Uncle Frank’s Pancake Day at the East Meredith Fire Department and sitting on Farmer’s Row at Charlotte Valley Central School. He followed Charlotte Valley boy’s and girl’s athletics, watching nieces, nephews, his daughter, grandchildren, and many adopted athletes. His lifetime pass is a true testament to his devotion to Charlotte Valley athletics. Lewis not only showed devotion to his community, but also to his family. Over the past 23 years he has taught his grandchildren to hunt, drive, be kind, and how to face everyday challenges.

Lewis was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Iona Briggs; brother, Gordon Briggs; daughter Lucinda D. Briggs; grandson, Paul R.L. Keil; niece Rhonda Hitchcock; nephew, Michael Briggs; sister-in-law Helen Briggs; and brothers-in-law Ralph Doyle, Joseph Kosier, and Edwin Marshall.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Fern Briggs; daughter Cindy Lutz (Mark); granddaughter Megan Orlowski (Jason); grandson, Andrew Keil; step-grandchildren Jenna and Nicholas Lutz; brother Carlton Briggs; sisters, Norma Hitchcock (Ernie) and Jean Kosier (Dave Wikoff); brothers and sisters-in-law, Claudia Marshall, Judy Doyle, Fred and Liz Doyle, Michael and Heidi Clune; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at Bookhout Funeral Home in Oneonta on Saturday January 12th from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral service officiated by Pastor Kathy Brumbaugh will take place Sunday January 13th at 2 p.m. at Bookhout Funeral Home, followed by a gathering at the East Meredith Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the East Meredith Fire Department:

East Meredith Rural Fire District, P.O. Box 65, East Meredith, NY 13757, Attn: Chief David Briggs

A private burial will be held in the spring at the Charlotte Valley Cemetery, West Davenport.