Robert E. (Bob) Briant

Robert Ellis (Bob) Briant was born to William Ellis Briant and Carrie Maude Luper Briant on May 28, 1927 in Badger, IA. He grew up on the eastside of Des Moines and graduated from East High School in 1945. For a number of years, he worked for the Hotel Savery before joining the Des Moines Fire Department in July 1956. He retired at the rank of Captain in May,1984.

On July 31, 1945 Robert joined the United States Marine Corps. Having the opportunity Bob served as a Marine Drill Instructor. Robert served two separate enlistments totaling 2 years 11 months, serving this great nation. Robert was honorably discharged at the rank of Sargent on December 13, 1951.

Bob married the love of his life, Frances (Fran) Eleanor Foshe January 21, 1954. Through that union, they created three wonderful children: Robert G. (Imelda) Briant; Pamela S. (Rick) Moody and Larry E. (Nancy) Briant. Bob and Fran celebrated 51 years of marriage. He was a wonderful husband and later served as caregiver for Fran at home as she battled Alzheimer’s until her death in 2005.

July 1956 Robert again took the path of public service joining the Des Moines Fire Department where he served the citizens of the greater Des Moines area. Robert’s time working as a firefighter came with many challenges. He met them with the same staunch as any Marine would be expected to. Bob retired at the rank of Captain in May 1984.

Between the marines and the fire department he dedicated his life in protecting and serving others.

The most important role in his life was that of a husband and father. He was actively involved with his children’s activities while growing up. He also loved fishing, camping and being outdoors. When the grandchildren came along, he was equally as involved with them. He would always volunteer for babysitting. As a parent and grandparent, he had an amazing amount of patience and a pocket full of tootsie rolls. He raised his kids with a fishing pole in their hands and loved to pull them around Sun Valley Lake on a tube. He was extremely proud of his family. He excelled at conversation and would not hesitate to share a story. During his long life he had many life stories to tell. Bob was also a highly organized record keeper. Everything in its place and labeled clearly.

He and Fran shared a love for animals. Not just dogs and cats. They felt the need to save and raise all injured animals including birds, squirrels and rabbits. For many years they had a collection of dogs and cats. As Bob aged, he found it easier to just name the new dogs the same. There was Sam 1, 2 and 3. For years he had a squirrel, Freddy, that he could feed cookies by hand in the backyard.

Following retirement, he and Fran could be found in Arizona enjoying being snowbirds. Of course, he always took his bass boat so he could fish year- round. In later years they moved to Sun Valley Lake in Ellston, IA where he could fish 3 seasons of the year. Bob and Fran played in the Tingley Kitchen Band, Charlie's Revue and the Friday Singers who provided entertainment at community events and care centers throughout the county. Bob was also a fantastic dancer and he and Fran could take over the dance floor.

Bob was a Christian and held strong faith values. These values were evident in the way he lived his life and was passed along to his kids and grandkids. Bob has led a light-hearted life with a household always filled with humor and laughter. Bob was known for his quick wit and hilarious comments resulting in infectious laughter to those around him.

Bob passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. He is preceded in death by his wife, Fran; sister, Betty Ferrell; brother, Rollin Briant; his parents and his son-in-law, Rick Moody.

Bob is survived by his children, grandchildren: Jacob Briant, Emily (Eric) Carpenter; Amy Briant, Crystal (Matt) Sheeder; Heather Moody; Mike (Angela) Briant, Ashley (Shannon) Anderson; Jennie Bethards and Stacey Fuqua, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 with the Des Moines Fire Department Funeral Honor Guard presenting. Interment with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard will take place at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26 at Ellston Cemetery in Ellston, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Care Initiatives, 7055 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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