Frank Newton Briggs

Frank grew up outside of Fabens, Texas on a family farm growing cotton. His most frequent stories he liked to tell were about his older brother being in Burma during WW2. They went over a year not hearing from him, until one day he was walking down the dirt road to the house, and it was the happiest day of his young life. He also took care of his special needs brother and got a hardship drivers license to drive his mom around. He would joke that nobody wanted to shop with her, so he had to start as early as 14 years old.

Frank joined the army and saw much of Europe, and he was always amazed how a kid from a farm in west Texas saw such beautiful places. When he returned to the farm from the army, he looked around and saw that most of the people he knew that were his age were getting married. He loved talking about how he and his friend Carroll were spending time together, and he saw a picture of Carroll’s younger sister Lessie. He kept asking more questions and they eventually met and were engaged shortly after. Lessie was the love of his life. Frank and Lessie were married for 62 years at the time of his passing. 

Throughout Frank’s life, his faith in Jesus was a key part of who he was, including being a deacon for much of it.  He was always willing to do things for others and was selfless with his time and resources. 

Frank worked for large pest control companies until he started his own company that he sold upon retirement.  His knowledge of all thing’s horticulture related was impressive, and he could easily fix any motor.  His best quality in business was that customers could tell quickly that Frank was a straight shooter. People trusted him quickly and he never did anything to betray that trust. 

Mostly, Frank was a family man.  He was always one to help and prioritize others over himself. His patience was incredible, and just part of who he was.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lessie, children Sherry and Dan, grandchildren Danielle Harmon, Ryan and Lauren Briggs and great grandchildren Jackie and Audrey Harmon. Frank loved his grandchildren so much and was a huge part of their lives.  Danielle, her husband Zach, and their children Jackie and Audrey saw their Papa often, and his pride in their family was constant. 

Frank loved his daughter-in-law Ginny and would laugh at how she would always make sure to keep him up to date with his doctor appointments and other logistics. 

Frank was very up front that he didn’t dread the next chapter, and he knew where he was going.  It’s us left that are hurting without his sweet presence in our life.