Stan Briggs

Lawrence Stanley Briggs, 79, of Sullivan, MO, was called home to his Lord and Savior on November 11, 2025. He passed peacefully with his family by his side. Born on September 29, 1946, in St. Clair, MO, to Everett Briggs and Ella (Zeigler) Briggs, Stan became the 4th sibling of what would go on to be a family of 10 children - a family that shared love, laughter, and a longing to serve the Lord.
Stan met the love of his life, Carmen, in 1965, and shortly after, they were united in marriage and began building a beautiful life together in Sullivan. Together, they brought into the world two children, Christine and Doug, who blessed them with 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Their family was truly the joy of their lives. Stan and Carmen shared 60 years of true love and a lifetime of memories.
Stan's salvation in Christ was the foundation of his life and the one thing he shared with everyone he knew, including his family. He had the privilege of leading four of his grandchildren to their salvation in the Lord, along with many others in his life. He served faithfully in ministry for most of his life, which included becoming an ordained minister, pastor, Sunday school teacher, bus driver, and everyone's favorite Troubadour. Whether Stan was singing, preaching, or sharing a cup of coffee with someone in his home, he made sure everyone he knew heard about the love that changed his life - the love of Jesus Christ.
Stan experienced different jobs and adventures in life, from working in the mines to running a motel with Carmen in Union, MO, to taking on his own heating and cooling business after being mentored for several years by Luren Marchbank. He took a job with Glen Stack Hauling and later joined the Peterson Oil Co. family, where he remained a faithfully devoted employee, friend, and mentor for 40+ years.
Stan loved to be outdoors, teaching his family his love for hunting, and especially his love for fishing. Stan and his family visited Table Rock Lake each year for 40+ years, creating many memories of 50lb catfish, fish fries with friends and family, and a "praise the Lord!" each time he took a fish off the trot line. These are memories that are forever cherished in the hearts of his family.
While Stan was remembered for many things, his love and passion for music, along with his deep bass voice, are the things most people think of when they think of Stan Briggs. His talent continued to grow as he became a self-taught guitar player and songwriter, many of which included gospel songs, songs about his life experiences, and nursery rhymes and jingles that made his grandkids smile. Stan continued to serve the Lord by sharing God's love through song with those in his community. Not only was he known to always be a part of the Gospel Hoot N' Nanny benefit concerts, but he also shared his love of music with many beloved friends through gatherings in his hometown of St. Clair. Weekly for many years, Stan and Carmen would visit Spike and Janis Huff and friends at their acoustic music house, Home Folks, where they would sing, play music, and enjoy fellowship with one another. Stan also played and sang at many gatherings in the home of his dear friends, Frank and Betty Reed. Music was his favorite gift to share with those he loved. Stan was known for many recitations, such as The Three Nails and Ragged Old Flag, and of course, his grandchildren's favorite song - Long Black Train.
Stan will leave a legacy of love in the many hearts and many lives he touched along the way, each one better for knowing him.
Stan is survived by his wife, Carmen Briggs of Sullivan, MO; two children, Christine Gaskill and husband, Don, and Doug Briggs and wife, Lisa all of Sullivan, MO; five grandchildren: Jennifer Scott and husband, Robert of Sullivan, MO, Grant Gaskill and wife, Lauren of Highlandville, MO, Sarah Gaskill of Sullivan, MO, Justin Briggs and wife, Kylee of Rogers, AR and Kaylee Sanders and husband Brendon of Beaufort, MO; seven great-grandchildren: Barrett, Ella, Ruby, Gracie, Parker, Presley and Lucy; his siblings, Edith Robins and husband, Lonnie of St. Clair, MO, John Briggs of Sullivan, MO, Carolyn Kirk of Bella Vista, AR, Bill Briggs and wife, Phyllis of Sullivan, MO, Wilma Robins and husband, Lional of St. Clair, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Ella Briggs; two brothers, Albert Briggs and Earl Briggs and wife, Esther; two sisters, Ollie Fink and husband, Terry, and Dian Cannon and husband, Rodney; and his in-laws, Mary Briggs and Danny Kirk.
Services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan with Pastor Brandon Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union, MO.
Visitation will be 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at New Testament Baptist Church prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be given in Stan's memory to the Hope Ranch and/or the Gospel Hoot-n-Nanny.
Friends may send online condolences to the Briggs family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.