Raymond J. Briggs, 87, a lifelong resident of Russell, PA, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2013.  Raymond was born June 30, 1926, in Russell, the son of the late Gerry and Evalena Jordan Briggs.

Raymond served in the US Army during World War II, arriving in Germany the day the war ended.  He stood guard during the Nuremburg trials.  Following his service, he held various other jobs before being employed by Con-Rail as a conductor, first working in Warren, and later working Buffalo, retiring after 40 years.  He was a lifetime member of the Russell United Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.  He was very active in Boy Scouts, having been an Eagle Scout and a Scout Leader.

He is survived by his wife, Sallie R. Briggs, whom he married January 13, 1951; three daughters, Deborah Bloomgren, and husband, Jerald of Sugar Grove, PA, Joy Darr, and husband, Randy of Russell, PA and Linda Shepard, and husband, Richard of Bloomington, IN; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Karen Briggs of Russell, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Gerry Briggs; two brothers, Loyal K. Briggs and Gerry A. Briggs; and one sister, Mary Fran Engle.

Friends will be received at the Russell United Methodist Church, 17 N. Main Street, Russell on Friday, August 30 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at which time a memorial service will be held there, with Rev. David Heckman, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Warren County, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA 16365 or the Russell United Methodist Church.