Tommie Richard Briggs

TOM RICHARD BRIGGS
August 1, 1942--February 2, 2022
Tommie Richard "Tom" Briggs died Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at home with his beloved wife Sheila beside him. He was born August 1, 1942 in Fairfax and raised by his parents, James Snow and Novella Reed in Tulsa.
He graduated from McLain High School and enjoyed many glorious summers at his grandparents’ farm in Masham. He attended the University of Tulsa before starting his own business, TR Briggs and Co., which he later renamed Ideal Glass.
He was married to Smoque Knape and they had one child, Derek Briggs. He later married Sheila Nevins and they remained good friends with Smoque until she passed. Sheila and Tom enjoyed over 41 years together with over 34 years spent working side by side at Ideal Glass. In 1998 they moved their business to Pawnee and got very involved in the community. Tom often joked that it only took him 60 years to return to his favorite place, Pawnee. He was a well known artist in glass and signs.
Tom was asked to fill a vacancy on the City Council, also being named vice-mayor. When the Mayor resigned, Tom became Mayor and was elected two more times and worked tirelessly to make Pawnee a better place to live. He often said the hardest job he ever had was that of Mayor. Briggs served as the Chamber of Commerce manager and worked at every community event in some way. Those events included New Year’s Eve Ball-drop, Lions’ Easter Egg Hunt, Steam Engine Show, Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show, Fourth of July games, fireworks and parade, Veteran’s Day Program and flag placement, and Christmas parade. He helped start Old Time Saturday Night and greatly enjoyed working that event, whether he was parking cars, giving out water, riding his ’72 Yamaha or wearing a sandwich board advertising the 50/50 drawing. As a member/past president of the Lions Club, he parked cars at the home football games and when the club dissolved, he carried on the tradition with Sheila and a small group of friends.
Briggs served on the Lone Chimney Water Board, the Pawnee County Economic Development Corp. and the Pawnee Tribal Development Corp. where he was instrumental in establishing the Travel Plaza and Casino. He also proudly served as officer with the Norwegian Constitutional Royal Black Bear Fjord Society.
He and Sheila built a rustic cabin at the farm, adding to it later and developing a pond and shooting range. He rarely shot animals, preferring to enjoy their beauty and hijinks. He was an avid marksman, preferring to reload his ammo to ensure accuracy. He taught several friends and his grandchildren how to shoot. The Briggs’ restored 2 downtown buildings, an upstairs apartment and their 1921 home and Tom joked that he had a recurring nightmare where he would walk in one day and have to start all over.
In later years, he worked at the lumber yard where his knowledge of plumbing, electrical and remodeling was appreciated and he enjoyed visiting with the customers. Tom was a friend to many and could always make you smile or more likely laugh out loud with his knack for hilarious storytelling. He helped care for his neighbor and dear friend, Jim Hamburger and we’re sure they are retelling stories right now and enjoying many laughs. His alter-ego Quinton Loudermilk could write a great essay such as the Legend of the Methodist Chicken Noodle Dinner and a tutorial on how to best harvest the fur of Corduroy animals.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sheila of the home; his son, Derek and Kristan Briggs; grandchildren, Duncan and Peyton of Houston; brother, Gary Briggs, Skiatook; stepbrother, Tom "Big Boy" and Hilda Reed, Skiatook; sister-in-law, Sharon and Joe Bradley of Pawnee; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; sister; Jackie; brother, James; first wife, Smoque; sister-in-law, Debbie Briggs; his beloved dog, Jackie-boy; and a passel of other dogs and cats.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at the Pawnee Lakeside Event Center. Arrangements by Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation, Pawnee, OK.