Lee Briggs

Albert Lee Briggs, known to family and friends as “Lee,” passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor. He was 91.

Lee was born October 15, 1935, in Colony, Kansas, to Walter Samuel and Geneva (Colter) Briggs. He graduated from Reading High School in 1953. As a young man, Lee enjoyed playing baseball and earned the nickname “Satch,” after the famous baseball player Satchel Paige.

Lee proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Forrestal, an experience that allowed him to see much of the world, including Japan, Europe, and the Caribbean.

He was very proud of his Navy service and the friendships he made along the way. Oneof those friendships was with Steve, who was married to Cathy. Steve and Cathy would eventually play an important role in Lee's life by introducing him to Gerri, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner. Steve and his fellow Navy friends also gave Lee the nickname “Moose,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life. Even recently at Presbyterian Manor, Lee could often be found writing the name “Moose.  ”When the nurses asked him about it, he enjoyed sharing stories about his Navy days, his shipmates, and the nickname given to him by his friends.

On August 8, 1965, Lee married Gerri Gomes in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage and raised two children, Kevin and Beth.  Their life together was built on family, friendship, and many years of shared memories.

Lee was a farmer in the Reading area and truly loved working on the farm. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and planting trees. He was environmentally conscious long before recycling became commonplace, making a habit of saving cans and newspapers. He appreciated nature and the simple pleasures of working with his hands and spending time outside.

Lee later spent more than 20 years working for the Kansas Turnpike, where he eventually retired. He made many friends and collected plenty of interesting stories during those years. Lee had a generous heart and was always willing to help someone in need. On one occasion, a family traveling through found themselves without money, and Lee provided them with a hotel room for the night. It was simply part of who he was.  He saw someone who needed help and quietly found a way to make a difference.

Lee also had a spirited side and a lifelong love of motorcycles. He enjoyed riding fast, sometimes a little too fast! On one memorable ride, he was traveling over 100 miles per hour when a state trooper pulled him over and told him he should take him to jail.  Fortunately, the trooper knew Lee and let him off with a warning, along with Lee's agreement not to ride that fast again. His good friend Mike Angell also recalled riding motorcycles with Lee on Highway 50. Mike remembered that Lee quickly took off and was soon nowhere to be seen. Lee certainly enjoyed the freedom and adventure of the open road.

Although Lee had a quiet and gentle spirit, he had a generous heart and a special way of making people feel remembered. He preferred one-on-one conversations or smaller gatherings but treasured time with family and good friends. One of his favorite traditions was sending birthday cards with a dollar amount inside equal to the recipient's age. We always thought this was something he did just for family, until we discovered he had been doing the same for his good friend Mike Angell. Lee also showed his generosity to Mike's son, Matt, by providing him with a motorcycle. These thoughtful gestures were typical of Lee. He didn't need a special occasion to show someone he cared.

Lee was a member of Reading Methodist Church, and his faith was reflected in the kindness and generosity he showed others. He also enjoyed attending Victory Fellowship with Gerri, where they shared fellowship and friendships with a welcoming community.

Lee enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He was a loyal Kansas City Royals fan, listened to Paul Harvey, and loved watching Jeopardy. He enjoyed a good story, time outdoors, and the company of family and friends. Whether recalling his Navy adventures, sharing a motorcycle story, or simply spending time with those he loved, Lee had a lifetime of memories and friendships that will continue to be cherished.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mildred Briggs, Linda Briggs, and Helen Briggs; and two brothers, Walter Briggs, Jr., and Carl Briggs. We would be remiss if we did not give special mention to his emotional support nephew, Kenny Gomes (#1), who held a special place in his life.

Lee will be forever remembered by his wife, Gerri, of the home; daughter, Beth Briggs, of Council Grove; son, Kevin Briggs, of Kansas City; three grandchildren, Mallory Young (Joel Young), Nate Watts, and Carson Watts (Brooke Ford); and two great-grandchildren, Reid and Beck Young.

Lee will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a proud Navy veteran, a hardworking farmer, and a loyal friend. He was a man who didn't need to be the center of attention to make an impression. His gentle nature, adventurous spirit, and quiet generosity touched many lives. He leaves behind a family who loved him, friends who will miss him, and countless stories that will keep his memory alive.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Reading United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hand in Hand Hospice and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.