L.D. Briggs

L D Briggs, Jr., 90, of Campbell, Texas, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in Greenville.  He was born on November 2, 1929 in Midlothian, Texas, the son of Loveless D Briggs, Sr. and Annie May Summers. The family will receive friends at a visitation to take place on Friday, December 13, 2019 at Commerce Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  The funeral will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Commerce, Texas with Rev. Kris Myers officiating.  Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery in Commerce. 

L D graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 1947.  He joined the United States Air Force, serving as an accountant during his time in service.  He was honorably discharged.  He married the love of his life, Ruth Schmalz on June 11, 1955 in Marlin, Texas.  They enjoyed 64 years of marriage before her passing in July 2019.  L D attended Dallas Baptist University and North Texas State University, earning his Masters and PhD. He began his career in education with the Mesquite ISD.  He then moved his family to Commerce in 1966 and began a 30 year career as a professor in the Elementary Education department, retiring in 1996.  He wrote and published over 60 articles on education while at the university.    His family was very active in the First Baptist Church of Commerce.  Ruth and L D worked as leaders in an adult Sunday school class for many years.  L D enjoyed spending time gardening and working on his land.  He was known to be a very charitable person as well as a great conversationalist, especially when it came to his jokes. 

L D is survived by his daughter, Janna Morterud and husband, Barry; grandchildren, Jennifer Metcalf and husband, Chris; Ryan Walters and Lauren Walters; great grandchildren, Alexander Metcalf and Jamie Metcalf; sister, Harriett Davidson and husband, Don; nieces, Elizabeth Davidson and Kerry Herndon and husband, Steve; great nephews, Thomas Herndon and Andrew Herndon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L D Briggs and Annie Briggs-Sliger and step-father Jack Sliger.      

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