Paul Briggs Obituary

Paul Eugene Briggs was born August 28, 1941, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the second of five children born to Beuford and Dorothy (Struble) Briggs. He grew up and received his education in Kadoka, and spent a lot of time as a youth, with the Mike Borbely family on their ranch west of Kadoka. He later lived and worked all over the United States on ranches and different construction jobs.

Paul entered the US Army on January 7, 1964, and after his basic training at Ft. Leavenworth, he was stationed at Heisenberg, Germany, and worked on the nuclear warheads. While on leave, Paul was united in marriage to Sharon Livermont at the Catholic Church in Kadoka; and to this union were born two children Tena and Cody. After his honorable discharge on December 28, 1965, he returned to Kadoka, where he worked for Grable Ditching. Later, Paul worked for Donald Handcock in Long Valley, who was very influential in his life.

In 1975, they moved back to Kadoka, where Paul owned and operated Briggs Construction. He built many dams and dikes in the area. He later worked various jobs in the Black Hills and Wyoming, before settling back in Kadoka, working for the Jackson County and later for the City of Kadoka.

Paul was very involved in the Kadoka Fire Department, and spent many hours to get the all-weather track at Kadoka, as well as the Kadoka Rodeo Grounds. Paul was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka, and maintained the Kadoka Cemetery for a number of years. Whenever there was work to be done with any organization, Paul would be the first to assist.

Survivors include two children Tena Most and her husband Jeff of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Cody Briggs of Rapid City; three grandchildren Jesse and Luke Most, and Olivia (Cavin) Kramer; his longtime companion Joy Schmidt of Kadoka and her two daughters Kristin Schmidt (Cory Boyd) of Kadoka, and Cortney (Jay) Meverden of Rapid City, and their three children Kyler, Bodey, and Jhayda; two sisters Bonnie Riggins of Kadoka, and Electa Preslicka and her husband Doug of Bradshaw, Nebraska; two brothers Roger Briggs and his wife Linda of Rapid City, and Robert Briggs of Kadoka; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and one niece Natasha.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 26, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, and one hour preceding the services on Tuesday.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Military graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 - 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Randi Oyan - Pianist
Susan Davidson - Vocalist
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Sweet Hour of Prayer”
USHERS
Brandon Mitchell - Tyrel Mitchell
PALLBEARERS
Dick Gropper - Rusty Olney
Chip Mitchell - Shane Olney
Larry Johnston - Craig Coller
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka and
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 - 2:30 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

Tena & Cody, I workded with Paul when he had the construction firm in Kadoka. Paul was a hard working contractor and could always rely on him and his crew getting the job done in a professional manner. I have great memories working with Paul and his crew in the late 70s.
~ Tom & Laurie Coleman Bismarck, Nd (6/29/2017)

Sorry for your loss.
~ Glenda Oren(Brookens) 1017 S. Grandview avenue (6/24/2017)

Paul had such a great personality and great work ethic. He was a jack of all trades it seemed. And whatever business he was in he put his whole heart and soul into it. And our common bond was of course his son Cody who has been such a large part of our families life. My heart goes out to both Cody and Tena and their entire family during this difficult time. May God bless you in the days ahead.
~ Judy Goldhammer Wall (6/26/2017)

I always got a kick out of Paul , really enjoyed visiting with him when he came to Meadowood , so glad to get to have the opportunity to get to know him and the family.
~ Hollie Dump Rapid City (6/25/2017)

Tena and Cody, I was so shocked to hear of your dad's passing. He was always such a nice guy and always known as "fireman Paul" in our house. He will truly be missed by many people. Prayers for peace and comfort for you in the trying times ahead.
~ ELLIE BETTELYOUN RUSHVILLE, NEB (6/27/2017)

We have only known Paul for a couple years but I am haopy that we got the opportunity. Paul was always teasing what Ill miss, he was a very good hearted man, my grandkids will miss him deeply as us all. RIP Paul
~ Mike & Angel Shellito Rapid City (6/27/2017)

I will miss his sense of humor and that smile. Always more than a cousin to me. Paul was a friend. My sincere condolences to Joy and the family. Prayers and good thoughts for all of you.
~ Casey Dunsmore San Antonio, Texas (6/24/2017)

Thanks for serving
~ A VETERAN (6/26/2017)

Ruth and I are very sorry for your loss. Paul had many good and positive qualities. We know you will miss him.
~ Gary McCubbin Kadoka, SD (6/24/2017)

Kelly Madsen
~ Your in my thoughts & Prayers Fort Pierre, SD (6/26/2017)