Tharp Funeral Home

02/22/2026

02/20/2026

Roy Harold Briggs passed peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and beloved pets (Scrappy and Zoey) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Roy was born on September 5, 1944, to Harold V. and Mary Lucille Briggs.

Roy drove a semi for over 30 years. In 2002 he opened Briggs Repair in Blakesburg, IA. He had a kind heart and was always willing to help even if they couldn’t pay. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. He especially enjoyed going to Rutledge, MO and Branson, MO. Most of all, he loved working on his 1965 Ford Mustang.

Roy spent many mornings at his shop drinking coffee and swapping stories (all true of course) with his close friends Dale and Dean. Roy had the best personality and sh*t-eating grin. He didn’t take anything seriously and was the best bullsh*tter ever. Roy was ornery and constantly joked with his loved ones and friends. Roy had a big heart and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a Roy of all trades. He did rebuilders, mowers, plumbing, electrical and carpentry. He kept many friends’ vehicles on the road for years.

Roy is survived by his wife, Deb Briggs; 5 children, Monica Danner, Corey (Carmen) Danner, Mark (Miranda) Danner, Stacey Danner, and Travis (Stacia) Danner; 17 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren with 1 on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Arlene Corwin, Gerald (Cindy) Briggs, Janice (Randy) Hunter, Wilma Bost, and Dean (Donetta) Briggs. Additional children include Mary, Todd, Margaret, and Jason Briggs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Briggs; a son, Mike; a daughter, Holly; a grandson, Matthew; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.

Per Roy’s request, his body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cards of condolences/memorials may be mailed Roy’s family c/o Tharp Funeral Home, 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, IA 52531.

Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.

02/20/2026

Today we recognize National Caregivers Day — honoring those who quietly show up, day after day, with patience, love, and strength. To everyone caring for a loved one right now or remembering someone you once cared for, we see you and we thank you.

02/18/2026

For many in our community today is a day of reflection, humility, and remembering what truly matters. Whether you observe it or simply pause for a quiet moment, may today offer peace and perspective.

02/16/2026

We pause to remember acclaimed actor Robert Duvall, whose decades-long career brought unforgettable characters to life across film and television. Audiences know him from iconic roles in The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and the beloved miniseries Lonesome Dove, among many others that shaped American storytelling.
His performances captured strength, vulnerability, and humanity in ways that resonated across generations. He was 95 years old. Thank you for the stories, the characters, and the memories you gave the world.

02/15/2026

Donna Jean Woollums Funeral Service

02/14/2026

Gaylon Roy Sager, age 71, of Eldon, IA, formerly of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at his home, following a long courageous battle with cancer.

Gaylon was born on June 29, 1954, in Fairmont, MN, to Marvin Roy and Wanda June (Gale) Sager. He grew up in Minnesota, Florida, California, and Missouri before moving to Iowa, where he attended high school in Albia. Gaylon was united in marriage to Kara West in 2008 in Albia.

Gaylon began his working years with the Department of Transportation (DOT). He was extremely talented and devoted many years to working construction for different businesses including Grooms Construction, McGee Roofing, and M & W. Gaylon later worked at Hawkeye Molding in Albia and ended his working career at L & S Tools.

In his younger years, Gaylon enjoyed playing football. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Gaylon was sneaky smart. He loved watching Jeopardy and often knew the answers before the contestants. He could quote movie lines and remember lyrics to almost any song. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, fishing, mushroom hunting, rock hunting, hunting, and cooking on his pellet grill. He also enjoyed gravel traveling to watch the wildlife- especially eagles, playing pool, and riding motorcycles. Known for his great sense of humor, he enjoyed joking around with others and sharing a good laugh. He had a love for horses and adored his dogs, especially his Great Danes, Hazel and Angel. Above all else, Gaylon cherished the time spent with his family.

Gaylon is survived by his wife, Kara Sager; 5 children, Mindy Sager, Cassi (Troy) Jones, Stacy (Kurt) Kelsey, Garrett (Alyssa) Sager, and Gavin (Mary) Sager; 2 stepchildren, Lindsey (Neil) Lobberecht and Jeremiah West; 24 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; and 2 sisters, Cheryl Wall and Lisa (Steve) Swift. Gaylon is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Wanda Sager and an infant son, Brandon Sager.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the American Legion in Albia.

An open memorial has been established to the family.

Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.