Joe Allen Briggs, 76, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Moberly Regional Medical Center in Moberly, Missouri.

Born June 27, 1947 in Kirksville, Missouri, Joe was the son of the late Lesco and Alberta (Decker) Briggs. Joe was preceded in death by three brothers, Lowell “Buster” Briggs, Larry “Wally” Briggs, and Jim Briggs and one sister, Ruby Vincent. On February 15, 1980 in Kirksville, Missouri, Joe was united in marriage to Bernice Diana Morris who also preceded Joe in death on June 2, 2019.

Joe was a wonderful and loving husband and father. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Wayne Butterbrodt of Killeen, TX; his daughter, Raquel Merryman of Grayslake, IL; his daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Kyle Boris of Hillsboro, OH; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Beth Briggs of O’Fallon, MO; one brother Bill Briggs of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Cathy Cunningham of Kirksville, MO; eight grandchildren, Derek, Keaton, Deegan, Kaden, Lauren, Sydney, Benjamin and Travis; one great-grandchild, Kylee, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968. In 1977 Joe enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served honorably until his retirement in 1996. Joe was employed at the Florsheim Shoe Company until its closure, after which he worked as a lab carrier for the Kirksville Osteopathic Medical Center (KOMC), and later as a general contractor in construction for many years.

Joe was an avid bowler and pool player, winning numerous trophies. He loved picking on the banjo and guitar as well as being a member of the Kirksville Moose Lodge #1751. Although he enjoyed many activities, his favorite pastime was spending quality time with his family, particularly in his cherished role as ‘Best Grandpa’ to his beloved grandchildren.

In accordance with Joe’s wishes, he will be cremated and a graveside inurnment with full military honors will take place at the Forest Llewellyn Cemetery in Kirksville on March 8, 2024 at 2 p.m., under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Briggs may be made to a charity of your choice and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.