Bates County Obituaries

 

BRIGGS, Melvin L. (1931 - 2008)
Kansas City Star, 15 September 2008
Melvin L. Briggs, 77, Stanley, Kan., passed away Friday, September 12, 2008. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, 19950 Broadmoor Lane, Stilwell, Kan. Burial in Floral Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, at the Church. Melvin was born on May 18, 1931, in Butler, Mo., to R.C. and Jessie Lee Shultz Briggs and was a member of the Amsterdam Baptist Church. He followed his father's footsteps by starting his own sod business. Melvin was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean war serving his country proudly. He was united in marriage to Norma Eisele to which two sons were born, Steve and Bryan. Later, Melvin was joined in marriage to Susan Luttrell, to which a son, Mark, and a daughter, Leann, was born. Melvin was known in the KC area as the grandfather of the sod business. In the early 70s, Melvin represented his fellow sod farmers as president of the K.C. Turf Association. For several years he served as the Kansas State Representative for the American Sod Producers Association. He was also known for selling the Zoysia plugger and plugs which were shipped worldwide. Another one of his accomplishments was coinventing the B & E mower. In his attempt to retire, he continued in the nursery business and a large cattle operation. His hobbies were working, fishing and winning at the craps table. He loved traveling to the Turf Producers International Convention and touring other sod farms. Melvin met many friends from all areas of the world. Another one of his joys in life was attending local auctions. Melvin was most known for helping others start their own sod business, giving advice and helping anyone in need. He is dearly loved and will be missed by his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Donald, Riley Jr. and Hubert. Survivors include his brother, Wilbur Briggs, Freeman, Mo.; sister, Dorothy McBee and husband Bill, Stilwell, Kan.; his three sons, Steve Briggs, Stanley, Kan.; Bryan Briggs and wife Teresa, West Line, Mo., Mark Briggs, LaCygne, Kan.; and his daughter, Leann Briggs- Lewis and husband Robert, Olathe, Kan.; two grandchildren, one great grandson and a special friend, Tutty Skivers (Gertrude). Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church of Stilwell. To leave a special message for the family please visit our website at www.penwellgabel.com. Arr.: Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel (913) 837-4310.