HENRY R. BRIGGS

Henry R. “Hank” Briggs was born January 24, 1947 on the home farm in Taylor County, Iowa to Henry “Ralph” and Wyona (Stoops) Briggs. He attended primary school and high school in several locations across Taylor county. He left home and began his life at seventeen pursuing careers as a farm hand, carpenter, veterinarian assistant, brick and concrete mason, until 1972 when he joined The United States Navy. As a new recruit he built block training aids for the Navy Seabees. He served from November 20, 1972 until October 3, 1975. After his tour of duty he resumed his normal daily routine as brick and concrete mason also enjoying hunting, fishing, and handy man jobs until 1989 when he decided to go back to school. Hank graduated from SWCC after completing auto body repair and auto mechanic programs. He later worked for Sue’s Lumber, the City of Bedford, and Wellmans Fansteel Dynamic, where he worked as a molder for over twenty years until the time of his passing.
In 1964 Hank was united in marriage to Suzanne Straight, to this union Tammy was born, seven years later they were divorced. In 1972 Hank was united in marriage to Mary Austin, to this union three boys were born Henry “Todd”, Clifford and Lucas, 20 years later they divorced. In 1995 Hank was united in marriage to Deborah Schutt, to this union a son, Michael, was born. Hank and Deb celebrated their 22 year Anniversary, Sept. 24, 2017 and resided in Clearfield together until the time of his passing.
Hank was a family man. He said many times “my favorite things in life are coon hound pups, babies, hunting and fishing with family and friends”. “BLOOD IS FOREVER”
Hank was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Wyona, sister and brother-in-law Thelma “Fern” and Paul French. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deb Briggs; daughter, Tammy Briggs; four sons, Henry “Todd” (Sherri) Briggs, Clifford (Tonya) Briggs; Lucas (Danelle) Briggs and Michael Briggs (girlfriend Danielle Luhrs); two sisters, Barb (Jerry) Mattson and Debbie (Todd) Brummett; thirteen grandchildren, Brandon Wilcox, (girlfriend Ashly Fritz), Rachael Wilcox, Keisha Sparks, Henry “Christian” Briggs, Elijah Briggs, Nathaniel Briggs, Peyton Briggs, Tucker Briggs, Brodrick Briggs, Arianna Briggs, Colton Briggs, Hope Briggs and Johnathan Briggs; five great-grandchildren Torri Kephart, Creed Wilcox, Christopher Kephart, Danielle Wilcox and, Lilyth Wilcox .
Services were at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Clearfield Christian Church in Clearfield, Iowa.
Officianting was Pastor Al Rusk.
Special songs were “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”.
Casketbearers were Tammy Briggs, Henry Todd Briggs, Cliff Briggs, Lucas Briggs, Michael Briggs and Grant Miller. Honorary casketbearers were Clay Nelson, Matt Stephens, Chris England, Sam England, John White and Rod Straight.
Military honor by Hardin Legion Post #164 of Bedford and US Navy Honor Guard.
Hank was laid to rest at the Guss Cemetery in Rural Taylor County, Iowa.
Memorials can be left to the family in his name.
Armstrong Funeral Home of Clearfield and Mount Ayr are in charge of the arrangements.