Lee Welker Briggs

With deep sorrow and profound love, the family of Lee Welker Briggs announces his passing on February 2, 2026, at the age of 76, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Now reunited with his eternal love, Lee and Vicki are now serving as missionary companions in the Spirit World, fulfilling their lifelong dream of serving a couple mission.

Lee was born on September 7, 1949, to George Harold Briggs and Hazel Welker Briggs in Rexburg, Idaho. He was the second youngest of six boys, Verdell, Hal, Charles, Kay, Lee, and Lynn. He was raised in Sugar City, Idaho, and attended Sugar Salem High School. He played varsity basketball, football, and track, and enjoyed the many friendships he made.

He lived a life defined by faithful service to God, family, country, and his fellow men. As a young man, he served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Netherlands from 1970 to 1972, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service, humility, and discipleship.

Lee met his eternal love, Vicki Kay Fillmore, in the Netherlands, where she also served a two-year mission. After returning home, they both attended BYU, where they met again, fell in love, and were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Provo Utah Temple on December 28, 1972.

He cherished his family deeply and took great joy in their lives and accomplishments. Lee was a devoted father to Joshua, April, Rachel, Cathryn, and Rebecca, attending countless sporting events, music recitals, and other activities. Lee was a proud grandparent to 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, whom he treasured and loved to spoil- often by taking them on adventures to National Parks, theme parks, zoos (Let's go see a hippo butt!), and museums.

Lee dedicated countless hours to church leadership, serving faithfully in many capacities- most notably, as an LDS Bishop in Dale City, Virginia; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Antonio, Texas. He also loved serving in the temple with Vicki in the Houston and San Antonio Texas Temples. Lee ministered to individuals and families with compassion, wisdom, and steady guidance.

In addition to his church service, he proudly served in the United States Army, commissioning through ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate and building a respected career as an officer in the Medical Service Corps. Rising to the rank of Colonel, he devoted his professional life to caring for soldiers, strengthening military medical readiness, and leading with honor and compassion. He earned the respect of those he led and served alongside.

Lees' military career led the family to relocate many times, being stationed in Germany, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Virginia, Iowa, Hawaii, and Oklahoma- each of which became home. Lee made each move a camping adventure across country, making sure to stop at each historical marker and celebrate the most unique local tasty bites.

Lee will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his children: Joshua (Priscilla) Lee Briggs, April (Andrew) Ellen Briggs, Rachel Briggs Smith, Cathryn (Dylan) Briggs Douglas, and Rebecca (Richard) Lee Briggs; brothers: Kay Briggs and Lynn Briggs; grandchildren: Luke, Connor, Kenny, Michaela, Liberty, Sequoia, Emelia, Adelyn, Bennett, Lincoln, Ragnarok (Jared), and Landon; grandchildren gained through marriage: Alexandra, Natalia, Alec, Bella, Mace, Emma, Jake, and Haylee; many beloved cousins and friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his eternal love, Vicki Fillmore Briggs; parents, Harold and Hazel Briggs; brothers, Verdell Briggs, Hal Briggs, and Charles Briggs.

Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue. The family will meet with friends Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the service, both visitations will be at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Sugar City Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by Rexburg VFW Post #3012 Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.