Copeland – Robert F. “Bob” Briggs, 82, died June 1, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby. He was born on October 21, 1935 in Holyoke, Colorado to Claude James and Bessie (Jones) Briggs.
Bob was raised in Holyoke, Colorado where he graduated from high school in 1955. He went to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado playing football, basketball and track. Later he continued his education at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor’s of Science. Bob then earned his Master of Science degree from Fort Hays State University.
In 1957, Bob began a teaching, coaching, and administrative career that spanned 41 years. He taught and coached at Madrid and Wauneta, Nebraska, Wray, Colorado, and Atwood, Kansas. Later he held principal positions at Moscow, Copeland, Dighton, and Fairfield-Langdon. He ended his career as Superintendent/Principal at Bazine and Ness City. After his official retirement from education, Bob continued to coach football and basketball for another eight years as well as working for Heartland Crop Insurance.
On June 21, 1956, Bob married Shirley Milner in Holyoke, Colorado. To this union five children were born, Rhonda Jo, Melinda Jane, infant son, Rodney Lee, and Troy Mitchell. In 1985, he became good friends with a colleague, Gay Beth Moore. They were married on June 10, 1990 at the Copeland Christian Church. Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, playing golf, and traveling. His greatest enjoyment came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
He was a member of the Sublette Christian Church, Elks Club, United School Administrators, Kansas Association of Secondary Principles, Kansas Athletic Directors Association, National Coaches Association, Kansas Coaches Association, Kansas Football Association, and Atwood Ambassadors. He also was a former deacon at the First Christian Church in Atwood.
Bob is survived by his wife, Gay Beth Moore-Briggs of Copeland; two daughters, Rhonda Berry and husband Gaylon of Port Aransas, Texas and Melinda Fikan of Colby; two sons, Rodney Briggs and wife Michelle of Independence, Missouri and Troy Briggs of Sublette; three step children, Dale W. Moore and wife Faith of Owings, Maryland; Doug Moore and wife Shannon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Vicki Hesser and husband Troy of Louisburg; a brother, James C. Briggs and wife Beverly of Apache Junction, Arizona; two sisters, Betty McConnell of Greeley, Colorado and Maxine Stegall and husband Keith of Leadville, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Briggs of Sublette; sister-in-law, Ruth Wyckoff and husband Don of Norman, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, Alicia Fikan Siruta and husband Jason, Bradley Fikan and wife Shannon, Meredith Berry Castor and husband Charles, Amy, Stacy, Brooke and Bailey Briggs, Dustin Moore and wife Amy, Michael Moore and wife Elena, Cutter and Blade Moore, Stephanie Hesser Unruh and husband Jeff, and Brigit Hesser; 16 great grandchildren, Ashley Mosier and husband Josh, Callie and Jadon Siruta; Taden, Ella, Emery, Brasen, Rence, and Pierce Fikan, Mia, Parry, Gage, Lyra, and Atti Moore; and Paige and Jace Unruh, one great-great grandson, Maxen Mosier and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Willard Briggs and wife Jean; brother-in-law, Everett McConnell; and infant son; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Briggs.
Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Brandon Mildren and Doug Harris presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday June 5, 2018 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Bob Briggs Memorial Fund to be designated by the family at a later time. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.