Walter G. Briggs

Walter G. Briggs was born Jan. 6, 1922 in Groesbeck, Texas to Rondall and Murtie (Stewart) Briggs.

He died at his home in Warren, Ore., on Nov. 15 at age 86.

He was educated in Mexia, Texas. He enlisted in the Marines, serving in the 2nd Marine Division.

He met Eunice Geiwitz while in recuperation after the Marines. They were married in Klamath Falls, Ore., in 1945.

After the war, he worked on drilling rigs and for Humble Oil Co. They lived in Alaska from 1949-1972. While living here he worked at a Union Oil Bulk Plant, and a general manager for a Chevrolet dealership. They moved to Warren, Ore., in 1972 after he retired. He was a farmer in Oregon for 30 years, retiring four years ago with health issues.

While living in Alaska he was Grandmaster of the Masonic Lodge, member of the Elks and Moose lodges, served on the school board and city council. He was the head of Rainbow Girls and Little League. He was baptized as a Baptist and his interests included playing baseball early on for a Coca Cola team and was a pilot.

Survivors include: wife, Eunice Briggs of Warren, Ore.; children, Tom Briggs of Palmer; Jolynn Clark and Jan Proctor both of Deer Island, Ore.; Jeanie McKechnie and Sharie Ehman both of Palmer;, Ron Briggs of Anchorage; half-sister, Norita Reed of Mexia, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

Graveside service and vault interment will be at Bethany Memorial Cemetery in Warren, Ore., on Nov. 20.