Lenard Briscoe, a longtime local oilman whose philanthropic efforts enhanced the quality of life for Kingfisher residents, died Sunday at age 86.

Briscoe was born April 26, 1934, in Marlow to Coats Randolph Briscoe and Francis Malissa (Johnson) Briscoe graduated from Marlow High School and married his high school sweetheart, Melba Cowan.

The Briscoes lived throughout the southwest U.S. before settling in Kingfisher in 1967.

An entrepreneur, Briscoe established and operated multiple business, primarily in the oil and gas industry, including Briscoe Drilling, Briscoe Oil and LCB resources.

He and his late wife Melba were active supporters of many philanthropic efforts, especially those impacting local youth.

Their donations helped finance the construction of Briscoe Park, Kingfisher’s youth sports venue, which includes baseball, softball and soccer fields.

Later, they also helped construct the local skate park and were longtime supporters of the First Baptist Church and local sports teams.

Briscoe was an active investor in other local ventures and served as a mentor to those just starting out in business in general and the energy industry in particular.

He also took an interest in local and state government, serving on the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

Briscoe’s efforts on behalf of the community were recognized when he was named one of Kingfisher’s Citizens of the Year.

The Briscoes had four children, including daughters Vicki Wint and Toni Nobles and sons Charlie Briscoe, and J.R. “Randy” Briscoe, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Sanders Funeral Service.

The family will hold a private service.

A complete obituary appears elsewhere in this paper.