Tom Briggs

Tom Briggs of Durant passed from earth to Heaven on April 28, 2022. He was 76 years old, born July 22, 1945, in San Diego, CA, to his parents Robert and Joan Briggs. Tom graduated from Tulsa University in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism before joining the Air Force. After serving his country for 6 years, Tom spent the majority of his working life as a human resources professional. Tom married Paula (Westphal) Kneeland on October 14, 1995, and they lived in Tulsa, Chouteau, Pottsboro, TX, and Durant during their 27 years of marriage. They also shared a yearlong adventure as Camp Hosts at Eufaula State Park. After God and his family, Tom loved the ocean (really any body of water), the mountains, and gospel music. Tom was a talented musician, playing the tuba in the Tulsa University marching band and the string bass as part of the Tomikejimike Trio during and after his college years. Tom also enjoyed watching OU Sooner and Dallas Cowboy football, as well as the sporting events and other activities of his kids and grandkids.

Tom is survived by his dear wife Paula, his sister and brother-in-law Jan and Dale Tussey of North Carolina, and his five children and their families: Shannon, Bill, and Emily Tiger of Shawnee; Scott, Lori, Kenzie, and Ky Briggs of Oklahoma City; Angela, Roger, Ian, and Andrew Mabon of Los Angeles; Chad, Misty, Madeline, and Micah Kneeland of Ruston, LA; and Cassidy, Shane, Lauren, Landon, and Luke Ringels of Durant.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at Victory Life Church, 3412 University Blvd., Durant, OK, 74701 on May 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to Project BIG at Victory Life Church in Durant.