Gilbert Leale Briggs

November 25, 1941 ~ January 25, 2026

Gilbert Leale Briggs “Gil”, 84, of Angleton, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Gil was born on November 25, 1941, to his parents, Ray and Alene Briggs, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

On December 13, 1965, Gil married Marilyn Elizabeth Wemken in Odessa, Texas, at their home on 61st Street. Together, they built a life rooted in love and devotion, later moving to Danbury in 1970 and eventually settling in Angleton around 1978.

Gil was a devoted husband and a proud family man. Above all else, he and Marilyn treasured their family and took great pride in his three children, Mark, Bryan, and Steven.

Gil was a man with many passions and talents. He was an inaugural member of the first class for Odessa Permian High School and earned the very distinct honor of Band Major. He was a lifelong musician who loved strumming on his guitars and singing. He had a beautiful voice and emulated Don Williams, one of his musical idols. He was an avid fisherman and golfer and a rather capable shade tree mechanic and computer technician. He spent hours on each of these imparting his knowledge and passion to each of his children who to this day still carry that knowledge forward.

Gil worked as a barber out of high school and eventually began working at Goodyear in Odessa. From there he took the largest role of his working life as a production operator at Poly P2 for Amoco Chemicals Chocolate Bayou. Gil was ahead of his time and was very early to get on the satellite dish TV. He became a master at setup and installation and often did this for his friends and coworkers. His last work was selling software and providing software support.

Gilbert will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the love he showed to those around him. He was the kindest gentlest man and really led by example. He rarely ever complained about all of the various challenges and ailments he faced up to the very end.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Briggs, grandchild, Mattie Briggs, brother, Richard Briggs, and parents Ray and Alene Briggs.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Mark Briggs and wife Susan of Lake Jackson, Bryan Briggs and wife Brandi of Danbury, and Steven Briggs and wife Ashie of Lake Jackson; grandchildren: Trish, Nicholas, and Katelyn of Danbury, Kevin and Eric of Pearland, and Taylor Briggs and wife Kayla of Lake Jackson; great-grandchild Dakota Briggs of Lake Jackson, and younger brother Sam Briggs of San Antonio; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Palms Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Gilbert will be laid to rest at Danbury Cemetery.

The staff of Palms Funeral Home extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Gilbert Leale Briggs.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.palmsfuneralhome.com.