Gary Wayne Briggs

Gary Wayne Briggs was born May 5, 1947, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Melvin Leonard Briggs and Jimmie Lee Bennett Briggs. He died peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the age of 76 years. Gary completed his high school education in Shidler, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1965. He was a veteran of the armed forces having served his country honorably with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He continued his education attending Oklahoma City University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Gary was married November 4, 1970, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Peggy Crabtree. He spent most of his professional career with American Electric Power where he became the plant manager of Tulsa Power Station and later at the Northeastern power station 3 and 4 in Oologah, Oklahoma. Gary was a faithful member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Collinsville, Oklahoma, where he proudly served as wherever needed for his church family. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes, especially time spent outdoors such as fishing, bird hunting, and boating, particularly on Oologah Lake. His greatest joys were serving God and traveling with his wife Peggy. He dearly loved his grandkids who affectionately knew him as “Papa”. Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include: His Wife; Peggy, of the home Daughter; Tammy Hudgens and husband Mitchell, of Owasso, Oklahoma Grandchildren; Mitchell Hudgens and wife Emily, of Owasso, Oklahoma Jamie Meek and husband Martin, of Owasso, Oklahoma Great Grandchildren; 5 Son; Melvin Briggs and wife Chris, of Owasso, Oklahoma Grandchildren; Senecca Strickland and husband Brock, of Pryor, Oklahoma Leo Nauman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma Brankin Briggs, of Edmond, Oklahoma Branson Briggs and wife Trista, of Talala, Oklahoma Great Grandchildren; 5 Brothers; Jerry Briggs and wife Gicela, of Webster, New York Richard Briggs and wife Penny, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma Sister; Darleen Carey, of Shidler, Oklahoma He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Ronald Lee Briggs. Rosary Prayer service will be held 7:00 pm. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Collinsville. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Therese Catholic Church with Father Ernesto Cavillo officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Mitchell Hudgens, Brankin Briggs, Brock Strickland, Brankin Briggs, Leo Nauman, Branson Briggs, Brock Strickland, and Martin Meek. Committal service and interment will follow at St. Therese Catholic Cemetery in Collinsville. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Gary’s memory to the St. Therese Youth Group, 1007 North 19th Street, Collinsville, Oklahoma, 74055. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Gary Wayne Briggs

May 5, 1947 - March 19, 2024