William Elroy ‘Bill’ Briggs, 79, of Hutchinson, died September 13, 2020, at his home. He was born September 8, 1941, in Hutchinson to Verner and Ethel (Hester) Briggs. As the Lord blessed him with great Light in his life, it was only befitting that Will passed on a bright sunny afternoon and on a Sunday, the Lord’s Day. Will’s greatest joys were his salvation and the family with which God had blessed him. On the final days of his life, Will was surrounded by all of these loved ones, before God called him home.
Will graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1959. He joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 21 years. His many talents were put to great use during his service in roles such as a career advisor, a personnel technician, and an aerospace photographic systems technician. On November 26th, 1965, Will married Cheryl Ruth Martin Wenzel in Hutchinson. Together, they shared a wonderful marriage of 54 years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing the guitar, games, fishing, and treasure hunting. As a member of the Westside Baptist Church of Hutchinson, he also enjoyed studying scripture. He was a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 68. More than anything, Will loved spending time with family.
He is survived by wife, Cheryl Briggs, Hutchinson; sons, Tod Briggs (fiancé, Nonnie), Jeremy Briggs (wife, Tiffany), both of San Antonio, TX; and Michael Briggs, of the home; sisters, Bernice Reed, South Hutchinson, and Colleen (Charles) Nichols, De Soto; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Will was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Scott and Jeff Briggs; brother, Lester Briggs; and sister, Patricia Brawner.
Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Eldon Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Elliott Mortuary.
To view funeral service online, the link will be available at the Elliott Mortuary website 10 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Memorials are suggested to Westside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.