Frank Leonard Briles, 87 of Keithsburg, died Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Brookstone of Aledo. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, May 3, at the First Christian Church, Keithsburg, Illinois. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 12 p.m. Burial is in Greenmound Cemetery, Keithsburg. Memorials may be left to the Keithsburg Fire Department, Brookstone of Aledo, or Beacon of Hope Hospice. Dennison Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.
Frank was born on September 27, 1936, in Keithsburg, the son of Johnny and Alwilda Obenour Briles. He attended Keithsburg schools. Frank married Sonya Thurman and together had two sons. He later married Vivian King and had two daughters. He would later marry Virigina Shoemaker and had one son and two stepsons.
Frank was employed as a precision grinding machinist at IH Farmall in Rock Island for over 30 years. He retired in 1985 and helped build the last tractor off the line. Frank ran the East End Garage in Keithsburg as a mechanic and wrecker service for many years.
Frank helped on his dad’s farm when he was young. After his retirement, he moved back to the family farm and started raising cattle. He took great pride in having Slagel produce growing on his farmland. Frank loved socializing at local taverns, frequenting happy hours to visit with everyone. He never met a stranger. He also enjoyed bowling and dart leagues. The family would like to thank Brookstone and Beacon of Hope for the care they gave their dad.
Survivors include his children, Richie Briles, Kelly (Rick) Andress, Moscow Mills, Missouri, Becky (Tom) Hisey, Taylor Ridge, Illinois, and Scott (Nancy) Briles, Muscatine, Iowa; one stepchild, Tim (Wendy) McGehee, Keithsburg; six grandchildren, Tom, Kris, Andrea, Holly, Krista, and Zach; one step-grandchild, Whitney; several great grandchildren; and one brother, Paul Briles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Frank Jr.; stepson, Mike McGehee; and three sisters, Frances Abbadusky, Phyllis Lucian, and Emma Margaret Ward.