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ROBERT W. BRIGGS



Robert Wayne Briggs, 77, of Memphis died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:55 a.m. at Scotland County Hospital.


He was born on March 24, 1933, in Kirksville, MO, the eldest son of Thomas Wayne and Mary Ellen (Alrichs) Briggs.


Robert attended Downing and Prairie View Grade Schools and graduated from Memphis High School with the class of 1951. He lived his entire life in Scotland County.


The Briggs family were active members in the Dover Baptist Church where Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at a young age. He transferred his membership to the First Baptist Church in Memphis where he faithfully attended, served as a deacon, and was a member of the church Joy Group. He was also an avid reader and was exceptionally well-versed in the Bible.


Bob was united in marriage to Benjie Charlene Randell on June 8, 1985, at the First Christian Church in Memphis. To this union were born two children: Michael David and Rose-Mary Neltza, who were his pride and joy.


Bob was employed at the Time Theater, Airway Drive-In Theater, Dodge and Smith Grocery, Rose Hardware and the Scotland County Care Center. He was an active member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Memphis until it disbanded.


Preceding him in death were his parents; infant son, Michael; a sister-in-law, Christine Briggs; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Roush.


Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Benjie Briggs and a daughter, Rose-Mary Briggs of the home; three brothers, Richard Briggs, Gary Briggs and wife Adrianna, both of Memphis, and Roger Briggs and wife Barbara of Rushville, IL, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Joyce Randell of Fort Worth, TX; a sister-in-law, Barbara Roush of Council Bluffs, IA; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.


Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Memphis. Dan Hite, pastor of First Baptist, and Jack Sumption, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiated. Bud Wilson, Warren Miller, Mike Aylward, Tom Owings, Joe Miller and Troy Barrett served as pallbearers. Richard, Gary and Roger Briggs were honorary pallbearers. Arleta Dye played the piano and Schelle Cooley led the congregation in singing. Interment was in the Dover Cemetery.


Memorials have been suggested to the family and may be left at or mailed to Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main, Memphis, MO 63555.


Online condolences may be sent to the Briggs family via email at gfs@nemr.net.


Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service from their Memphis chapel