Allen F. Briggs

WASHINGTON?Allen F. Briggs, 79, of Washington, passed away at 1:27 a.m., Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Allen was born on November 2, 1933 in Green Valley, Illinois to John T. and Esther (Mammen) Briggs. He married Shirley DeBolt in Deer Creek on June 30, 1956. Shirley survives. Also surviving are three children, Sheryl (Randy) Boston of Burnside, Illinois, Susan (Steve) Sepich and Jeffery (Keli) Briggs, both of Washington; one brother, George (Joyce) Briggs of Winston, Georgia; seven grandchildren, James, Christopher, Mary-Kate, Raylene, Rachelle, Allen and Spenser and three great grandchildren, Kennedy, Ayden and Ava. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Stephen Briggs. Allen was a graduate of Morton High School. After high school, Allen served in the United States Army as an MP. Following his military service, Allen went to work for Wally King Construction before his career at Caterpillar. During his 29 years with Caterpillar he had worked in both the East Peoria and Mossville facilities. Allen was the last carpenter hired for Caterpillar. Allen was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington and had also served on the Washington Fire Department for many years. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing and wood carving. Allen had the honor of being the first bowler to bowl a 300 at Plaza Lanes in 1963. Allen and Shirley had camped for many years in Hopedale with their friends and also wintered in Ft. Myers, Florida for the past 22 years. Allen cherished the time most of all that he could spend with his grandchildren. Funeral services for Allen will be held on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Visitation for Allen will be on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church and also half hour prior to services at the church. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside service by the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Allen may be directed to either his church or Richards Owens Hospice Home.