Ronald "Ron" Briggs
Ronald M. “Ron” Briggs, 83, of Springfield, died at his home at 12:50 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012. He was born October 20, 1928 in Gillespie, IL to Richard and Helen Pfaff Briggs. His parents preceded him in death. He married Helen M. Stevens on August 18, 1949 and she survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Gail (Jim) Churchill, Lynette (Companion: Mike Mele) Rhodes and Jill (companion: Scott Queen) Brillhart, all of Springfield; one son, Jerry (Companion: Susie Fishel) Briggs of Rochester; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; six step grandchildren; one sister, Shirley (Edward) Ruffatto of Benld; two brothers, Ted Briggs of Sparland, IL and Robert (Nellye) Briggs of Springfield and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was a member of Springfield Southern Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and kept diaries for many years. Ron worked as a printer for the State Journal Register retiring in 1991. He also owned and operated Briggs Orchard from 1980 to 2004. He was a US Army veteran serving during WWII. He was a loving father, husband and grandpa.
Visitation: 4 – 7 pm Monday, July 30, 2012 at Staab Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Staab Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Keppler officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery where the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Southern Baptist Church Building Fund.
Joyce Downey posted on 7/31/12
I remember picking apples with my children Elaine and Michael Paulionis at the Briggs orchard in the 1980's. Mr Briggs was very kind and welcomed the children to the orchard to pick our own. We all agreed that the orchard was the closest thing to the garden of Eden that we had ever seen! Mr Briggs was a gentleman who will be missed by many.