Rodney Briscoe, 61
Funeral services for Rodney Lee Briscoe, 61, of West Plains, were held Jan. 10, 2026, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial was at New Liberty Cemetery.
Mr. Briscoe died Jan. 3, at his home.
Rod was born on Aug. 24, 1964, to Jerry and Billie Briscoe. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1982. In July of 1990, Rod married the love of his life, his wife Marilyn. He also became “Steppy” to a bouncing 12-year-old girl, Kelli. Then, on June 15, 1995, they added the life of the party to their little family, Ira Lee Briscoe.
For 35 years, Rod and Marilyn loved each other deeply. They hung on through the hard times and made sure that laughter was a big part of their lives. Marilyn was an excellent caregiver during Rod’s illness. All he had to do was say “Sweetie…” and she was right there. A love like theirs is a beautiful example to all.
Rod was a teacher of all things in life. Wise beyond his years, in his gentle way, he could explain almost anything. He also had a kind way of understanding when you needed to talk about something. He had quick wit and twinkling eyes that just made a person feel better.
Rod loved to hunt and fish. He and his “brother” John were always hunting something or going for a ride. Rod’s eyes would light up when he knew that John was coming over. Friendship like that is a gift. Rod also loved to hunt with Ira. He was so proud of Ira’s love for the outdoors. His favorite picture of Ira was when he got his first turkey. (Years before he made Kelli hold one by the feet while he did the rest, probably laughing at her wrinkled nose because the turkey’s hind quarters were in her face.)
Rod loved to play the guitar, and when Ira got a little older, they would play together. Marilyn would sing. They should have taken that show on the road!
Rod was one of the most compassionate people you would ever meet. He was so generous and preferred others over himself. He also generously shared working in his giant garden with Marilyn and Kelli. He made them dig potatoes, and, when spiders came up out of the ground, they screamed and ran out of the garden. He was always the teacher. That garden was phenomenal, though, even though his helpers were scaredy cats.
Rod loved his family so much, each and every one. When those little grandkids started coming along, Papaw Rod was everyone’s favorite. He was so much fun and full of smiles and laughter. His gentle way made them feel special.
He was so proud of Madyson teaching, Taylor being a nurse and, of course, Luke being his own personal barber. Rodney Wade, his little namesake, came along a few years later, and his family all enjoys him so much. He is so much like his Papaw Rod. The two Rodneys had a very special connection.
Rod was a believer, and even though his loved ones are sad to let him go, they know where he is and that he is free. That is a comfort to his family. “It’s just for a little while.” - Rodney Briscoe
Rodney is survived by “Sweetie” Marilyn, his wife, of the family home; his niece, Zoe Lindberg, also of the family home; his daughter, Kelli and son-in-law, Ricky; his grandkids: Madyson and John Ryan, Taylor, Luke and Audra and Rodney Wade; his sisters: Vickie and Jo and their children; his wife’s siblings: Marsha, Jay, and Vicky and their children; his father-in-law, J.D. Hobbs; and his special “nurse” and sister-in-law, Threasa Shepherd. He is also survived by lots of nieces and nephews and cousins, who he loved so much, along with Tucker, his big ol’ Standard Poodle. Tucker provided lots of therapy and entertainment for Rod.
Rodney is preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his son Ira; mother-in-law Iva Hobbs; two brothers-in-law: Abigia Hobbs and Gene Shepherd; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.