Kenneth Ray Briggs

Kenneth Ray Briggs, 82, died July 14, 2017 in Katy, Texas.  He was born in Ft. Worth Texas on November 25, 1934 to LeNora May Field Briggs and Clinton Gibson Briggs.   He was an Air Force veteran, high school football and basketball coach, and later retired as a tenured professor at Lamar University.   Most importantly, he was happily married for 63 years to the love of his life Faye Matthews Briggs. Their enduring love continues to serve as an example to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Ken was born and raised in Ft. Worth.   When visiting Travis Avenue Baptist Church at age 11, he met Faye Matthews and their love story began.  After graduating Paschal High School, Ken enrolled in the Air Force.   While stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, he wrote a letter to Faye’s mother asking for her hand in marriage.  On March 2, 1954 during the biggest snowstorm of the year in Illinois, Ken and Faye were married at 19 years of age.   

Upon discharge from the Air Force, Ken attended North Texas State University and quickly earned his undergraduate degree. He began his coaching career at Dallas Jesuit High School and later became head basketball coach at Seagoville High School, all the while continuing his education.   He eventually earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees and embarked on a career in higher education.

In the summer of 1966, Ken became Professor of Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and moved Faye and children Pam, Russ and Janet to southeast Texas.   He taught for 31 years at Lamar and was loved by his students.   He described his job as “Teaching teachers how to teach.”  That legacy continues today with many teachers throughout Texas and beyond carrying his lessons with them. 

Ken was an excellent fast pitch softball pitcher, a good tennis player, loved to dance and he could carry a tune.   He loved old gospel songs and country music, especially the songs of Hank Williams, Bob Wills, and Hank Thompson.  He was always upbeat, funny, and knew how to tell a joke.    He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros in good seasons and bad.

As a Dad, Ken was always active with Pam, Russ, and Janet. He taught the kids how to stay positive, laugh, and never to take yourself too seriously.   You could count on him to help with homework, sports, and to treat people how they would like to be treated.    Best of all, he always modeled the importance and joy of truly loving your spouse. 

In 1976, Ken first became “Grandad” when Kerri was born to Pam and Brian Kalinec.   Taylor, Jessica, Sarah and Amanda eventually followed and he enjoyed playing games, reading, laughing, and spoiling the grandkids as much as he could.    Annabelle, his great-grandchild, always brought a smile to his face.

In 1997, Ken retired and he and Faye moved to Sun City, Georgetown. They were blessed with many friends and celebrated their 50th anniversary in Georgetown with a party filled with family and friends.     It was also in Georgetown that Ken began his long journey with Alzheimer’s.   Despite the gradual progression of the disease, his personality never changed and he never felt sorry for himself.  It certainly helped that his “Faye babe” was always at his side and made the very best of every situation.   

In 2012, Ken and Faye moved to Katy Texas so that family could help with the developing illness.   He loved having family present and singing songs, often proclaiming after a song that “We still got it!”    Whether you knew him as Kenneth, Ken, Dad, Dr. Briggs, Doc, Grandad or G-Dad, you can smile and know that he is singing in heaven.

Survivors include his wife Faye Briggs of Katy; daughter Pam Kalinec and her husband Brian of Houston; son Russell Briggs and his wife Rebekah of Katy; daughter Janet Davis and her husband Stacy Davis of Grand Prairie; grandchildren Kerri Kalinec Clark, Taylor Madole, Jessica Briggs, Sarah Davis Gonatas, and Amanda Briggs; and great-granddaughter Annabelle Madole.  

The attention, love, and patience that Faye provided during Ken’s battle with dementia will stand as an example to us all.   The entire family would like to thank the precious caregivers at Autumn Leaves of Cinco Ranch for the loving care provided to Ken the last three years.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Williams House, Second Baptist Church West Campus, 19449 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas.   A graveside service will be held in Ft. Worth Texas at Laurel Land Memorial Park located at 7100 Crowley Road at a later date.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Lamar University, or the charity of your choice.