Fenton T. Briggs

Fenton Thorley Briggs, 89, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 16, 2012 and returned to his Heavenly Father.

He leaves his beloved wife of 68 years, Elsie Stuart Briggs; his daughter Annette, his two sons Larry and Bruce, nine wonderful grandchildren and 11 beautiful great grandchildren, and many close friends and family.

Fenton was born in Cowley, Wyoming on October 24, 1922 to Ivan Richard Briggs and Annabelle Thorley and was the oldest brother to ten loving siblings.

In his early years, Fenton had to grow up quickly. He learned from a very early age the meaning of hard work and was an integral part of the day to day workings of the family farm, helping with his younger brothers and sisters. The untimely death of his Mother on April 14, 1940, when he was seventeen years old, deeply saddened him and strengthened his resolve to lessen the burden on his family by being independent.

In the fall of 1940, with the blessing of his Father, Fenton enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was subsequently stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah. It was during this initial tour of duty that Fenton met the love of his life, Elsie Stuart of Malad, Idaho. In the spring of 1944, on April 5th, Fenton and Elsie were married. On June 13, 1960, they were sealed to each other and their children in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Fenton and Elsie spent much of their early years of marriage apart because our country's involvement in World War II required the sacrifice of many. Fenton became a decorated pilot during his Army Air Corps service both training new pilots in Georgia and seeing active duty in India, flying troops and supplies over the Himalayas into China. He finished his service career honorably for his country at the conclusion of the war as a decorated Captain. He soared with the Eagles.

After the war Fenton chose a career in sales and became a senior sales executive at Massey Ferguson. Later at the peak of his career, Fenton became the mid-west sales manager, at Ford Motor Company Tractor Division, out of Kansas City, Missouri. On many occasions during his executive career he was recognized for his sales leadership and exceptional sales records.

Fenton and Elsie retired to Pocatello in 1984 and Fenton was very active in Church and Community Service. He volunteered at the Small Business Administration helping new business entrepreneurs to develop sound business plans, including teaching classes at Idaho State University. He served faithfully in his church callings and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Fenton's greatest achievement in life was his family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Service information will be posted under the "Service Schedule" tab above.

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