Robert “Bob” Alan Briggs was dropped into the arms of Dorothy and Beauford Briggs on June 15, 1959 at Kadoka Memorial Hospital. Eagerly awaiting baby Robert’s arrival were sisters, Bonnie and Electa and brothers, Paul and Roger.
Robert attended school in Kadoka and when he wasn’t in school he was working from a young age. He mowed neighborhood lawns, worked for Raymond Hicks at the Standard Station, and learned how to operate heavy equipment from his brother, Paul.
With his heavy equipment experience, he worked construction in Gillette, WY driving dump truck. He returned to Kadoka and worked at the Husky Truck Stop for Ike Dale. He later transferred to Amarillo, TX where the Dale’s took over another truck stop.
He returned to Kadoka after several months in Texas and started a truck driving career with the help of Grant Patterson. He was not yet 21.
What followed was more than 35 years behind the wheel for companies like Midwest Coast, Tiger Tripp, and White Transportation. He eventually stopped over the road trucking and joined Discount Fuel as their transport driver where he remained till the end.
Bob’s had an extended family, and no one is more grateful for that extended family than Bob’s brother Roger and his wife Linda Briggs, his sisters Bonnie Riggins and Electa Preslicka and her husband Doug; 11 nieces and nephews; 18 great-nieces and great-nephews; and seven great-great-nieces and nephews. The family’s of Grant Patterson and Mark Carlson, his friend Dixie Huber and countless others in the community who helped encourage Bob to keep on truck’in.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Paul Briggs; and a great-niece Natasha.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the auditorium.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 2, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.
Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Kadoka Ambulance Service.
Guest Book
Robert was one of a kind. He was always happy and my trips to K town were not complete unless we met Robert for a beer. I loved to play cribbage with him and Bill and he was my partner for the NCAA men's basketball pool....him wondering who the hell was Bucknell, and not too tickled to draw Wyoming! It always surprised me he had a cat!
I thought for years he was just pulling my leg. He is pain free now. May he rest in peace. He will definitely be missed here on earth. Thank for the memories, Robert.
~ Val Solano
Rapid City, SD (2/2/2018)
To the families and friends of Bobbie, Bobbie left us too early but his health problems are over . Our deepest sympathys are with all of your families. Robert was truly the best trucker I have ever known. No one could run as hard as Robert in his earlier days. Robert went to work for me when he was 13 or 14. My grandfather ( Bird Patterson) wanted me to put up a couple grain bins. We only had three people; which in them days there was no power tools. I asked grandpa to try to find another person. Grandpa came back with a little kid ( Robert) I asked him why did you get a young child? thinking this might not work so great. That young child put me too shame. He could work circles around me. This was the start of our friendship and working for us for 40 years except when I sold Bobbie a truck and he went out on his own. Robert done very well for himself until ill health forced him off the road. He worked for us in the Lounge and we thought lets try trucking again and Robert was able to run our fuel transport. We were very honored to have Robert for a friend and we were privileged to have Bobbie work with us for the many years. Bobbie left us; but one thing Robert cannot take with him is the many wonderful memories that many people has shared with him. Robert will be spoken of for many years. God Bless you Robert and Families. All our Love Grant and Susan Patterson and Families
~ grant and susan patterson & families
kadoka,so.dak. (1/31/2018)
I was saddened to hear about Robert. He had a great sense of humor and was always a smiling happy guy. Fun to be around. Prayers to his family. He will be missed
~ Mary Jo Jones
Midland SD (1/30/2018)
Love to the family. From Cousin, LOU
~ Amy Lou Williams
Texas (1/30/2018)
I am so sad to hear of Robert's loss my heart hurts and he was taken way to soon , He was truly a dear friend and will be deeply missed♡ RIP
~ Carol ann Runcik
Rapid city,sd (1/28/2018)
So sorry to hear about Robert's passing, what a shock. Robert is no longer in pain, I know he has not been well for sometime. Your family is in our prayers.
~ Betty Lou Stratton
Pierre, SD (1/30/2018)
My thoughts and prayers to Robert’s family & friends during this difficult time. Robert was a great guy who will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.
~ Wendy Cook
Cottonwood, SD (1/28/2018)
We were so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. Our condolences to his family and friends.
~ Richard and Bonnita Sherburne
Elkhorn, Nebraska (1/28/2018)
Robert and I had many great times together....golfing, playing pool, shooting the breeze.....it didn't matter....he was always a friend. Can't forget when he drove in the ditch in front of Discount and got stuck.....hahahaha.....I was working that morning and put up an "Employee Parking Only" sign.....good old Robert!!!! Will sure miss him!! Rest Easy Fubsy!!
~ Steph Carlson
Rapid City (1/31/2018)
Your in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kelly Madsen
Fort Pierre, SD (2/1/2018)
Bonnie and family, We are so sorry to hear about Bob. We have alot of great memories of times spent with Bob when we lived in Kadoka.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore
Fort Pierre SD (2/1/2018)
You were a good friend and you will be missed like crazy
~ Rick and Kim ORourke
Roosevelt , AZ (1/28/2018)
Prayers to Roberts family, so sorry for your loss. He has fought a rough battles in the past months. His pain is gone. Once again Paul and he can see who can tell the best jokes. Our family has known the Briggs family as long as I can remember. Cherish the memories knowing that Robert enjoyed life.
~ Betty Lou Stratton
330 W Prospect Ave #215 Pierre, SD (1/28/2018)
Rest in Peace Uncle Robert.....when I was very little Robert gave me bike rides and played with us in the yard, he loved Christmas and was always laughing, that is what I remember from growing up with and around him.
~ Tena Most
Ogallala, NE (2/1/2018)
Robert was always fun to visit and joke with. His humor and friendship will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss.
~ Pam and Keith Bonenberger
Kadoka (1/28/2018)
Ron remembers Robert from the time they lived across the street from the Briggs family. Thinking of all of his family with sympathy at this time.
~ Ron and Marilyn Gartner
Casa Grande AZ (1/28/2018)
South Dakota
~ Rhonda Addison
Belvidere (1/28/2018)
Prayers to the family. I met Robert at the fuel terminal in Mitchell, I was a operations Engineer. We became fast friends, with our love for fishing. Thanks to Robert for introducing me to so many great people in Kadoka, and thanks for all the good times !!!
~ Reggie Davenport
Mitchell S.D. (2/1/2018)