Donnie Roy Briggs (Don) passed from life on this earth to his heavenly home with Jesus on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. A graveside service for Don will be held at 10:00a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Fairlawn Cemetery, Stillwater, OK. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. His friend and golfing partner, Dr. James Carley will officiate.


Don was born on September 26, 1942 to Woodrow W. and Margaret A. (Trotter) Briggs in Alva, OK. He married Nellie Ruth McDaniel on November 10, 1962 in Waynoka, OK where they both grew up. They had the good fortune to celebrate 63 years of marriage.


Don graduated from Waynoka High School where he played several sports but the highlight was playing on the basketball team. When he was a junior the team won the State Championship for Class B. He and his brother were starters on the team. After graduation he attended Oklahoma State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business. He briefly sold life insurance. He returned to school attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then coached high school basketball for 3 years while earning a Master of Education degree also from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. After returning to Stillwater, OK he was employed by Oklahoma State University and began work on a Doctorate of Education degree. After completing the EdD he became an administrator at OSU. He spent the majority of his higher education career as Director of University Placement Services at OSU. He belonged to several professional organizations and served on national committees.


Don also proudly served 6 years in the military reserves. He spent one year in the Oklahoma National Guard and 5 years in the Air Force Reserves.


He retired from OSU and then enjoyed doing yardwork, supporting Nelle in her hobbies and playing golf. He loved to play golf and enjoyed his last round on March 18, 2026 at the age of
83. He made 2 holes-in-one in his golf career. The first one being in 2006.


Don accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young person. He grew up in the Baptist Church and during his adult years served in many roles in the church. He loved Jesus and desired that everyone would come to accept Him so that they might have eternal life in Heaven.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dale Briggs and his beloved granddaughter Jennifer Lea Briggs.


He is survived by his loving wife, Nelle; his sons Jeffrey Briggs and wife Robin, and Scott Briggs; his daughter Donelle Doherty and husband Matt; his grandchildren, Kyle (Kristy) Briggs and wife Kristy, Connor Doherty and his finance' Emily Moore, and Rachel Doherty; and his great-grandsons Karsten and Kai Briggs.


Memorial contributions may be made to The Joshua Fund, P.O. Box 96486, Washington DC, 20090-6486 or to Samaritian's Purse, P.O. Box3000, Boone, NC 28607.