Ernie Briggs is the fifth child of Clyde and Nellie Briggs.  He was born and grew up in the Eldon community. Although he doesn’t have children of his own, he helped raise his nieces and nephews and is revered as a father and grandfather to many. After the loss of his mother, his older brother and sisters would take him and his younger brother, Clifford to school with them.  This may have fostered his love of learning and instilled the value of education.  He worked on the family farm and new the value of hard work.  He enlisted in the army joining his brothers, Wayne, Franklin, and Clifford.  After completing his service, he went to school and completed his degree in radiologic technology working as technician for many years. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college.  He furthered his education by earning his masters in college teaching.  He then started a radiology program at Bacone University.  He then worked at Fort Hays State University, and he finished his career at Indian Capital Technology Center.  Now you can find him volunteering at food pantry, cheering on his OU Sooners, or attending Tiger football, basketball, softball, baseball or any sport in season.

Tahlequah Proudly honors Ernie Briggs who served as an E-5 in the United States Army from 1964-1967.