Philip “Phil” W. Briggs, 85, of Rossville, passed away at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at his home.
Phil was born on September 19, 1937, in Danville, the son of William and Mildred (Watkins) Briggs. He married Mary Green on April 8, 1983, at the Northland Christian Church, in Danville, Illinois. She survives.
He is also survived by one daughter- Sara Briggs of Rossville; one son- David (Becky) Briggs of Danville; seven grandchildren- Michael, Elizabeth, Caleb, Ashton and Larrissa Briggs and Emma and Elliot France; and three great-grandchildren- Amora Briggs and Levi and Lily Taylor. Phil aldo had a very special four-legged friend, Choppo, he spoiled and loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Phil graduated from Danville High School, in 1955 and later graduated with his master’s degree in Education, from Eastern Illinois University. He taught U.S. History at Southview Junior High School, in Danville, for 18 years and later taught Adult Education at DACC, until his retirement. After retiring, Phil worked for Belcher T.V. and then K’s Merchandise, in Danville, for several years. He was a member of the Morningstar Church, in Rossville and a life member of the Vermilion County Museum Society. Phil was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He enjoyed listening to music and reading historical books and magazines before his eyesight got bad. He loved to discuss the Civil War era history and to debate it with anyone who enjoyed talking about it. Phil also enjoyed talking about old cars, especially Packard’s and going on his Sunday afternoon drives. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and always followed them in their activities. Phil was a very patriotic person and loved his country. He was an avid supporter of the military and was very proud of his son serving in the United States Marine Corps.
A Celebration of Phil’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Morningstar Church, in Rossville, with Pastor Dan Mikel officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, preceding the service at Morningstar Church. He will be laid to rest in Springhill Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022. Memorials may be made in Phil’s name to go towards buying supplies for the U.S. History class at Southview Upper Elementary, in Danville. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist them in honoring Phil’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
