Franklin Stevens Briles

Franklin Stevens Briles passed away December 10, 2013, Fallbrook, Calif., at the age of 92. One of the last early California “trail blazers,” he will be missed by family and friends. He was a pioneer in the aerospace fastener industry in the United States as well as the world. He was a father, inventor, businessman, entrepreneur, fisherman, scuba diver, skier, hunter, pilot, athlete, builder, patriot and a hard worker!

He was born August 5, 1921 to Franklin Thomas Briles and Anna May Briles Schott. He had one older brother Paul Briles, deceased. He and Joyce Briles Eadie, (deceased), raised their six children during their 28 year marriage in Rolling Hills, Calif.

His family included eldest son, Franklin Stevens Briles, Jr, (deceased) and grandchildren Shelley Briles, Frankie Briles, (deceased), Sheryl Thomson, Sloane and Kayle Briles; daughter Linda J. Briles, Garden City, Kans. with grandchildren Major William Vessey and Shelby Randle; daughter Susan B. Lyon , Cayucos, Calif. with grandchildren Dr. Kristopher Lyon and Dr. Michael Lyon; son Scott A Briles, Anza, Calif. with grandchildren Lelicia Swank, Jayne McReynolds, & Scott Briles; daughter Carrie B. Foldesi and husband Steve, Puyallup, Wash. with grandchildren Matt and Lee Foldesi; daughter Maureen Hawke and husband Jeff, Rolling Hills Estates with grandchildren, Jessica Hawke, Heather Rule & Jeffrey Hawke; extended family Jamie and Joe Mauricio with grandchildren Aubrey, Amanda and Cody. He also is survived by 12 great-grandchildren

Franklin was born and raised in Los Angeles. He attended LA High School, married his high school sweetheart and served in the Navy for three years. He started a family very soon and raised his six children in Rolling Hills for most of their collective childhood. He lived the last 34 years in Fallbrook raising palm trees and running his rivet company. He retired from Briles Rivet at the age of 82. He was selling palm trees from the farm until the day he went into the hospital.

He loved his family, friends, and his Border Collies. From Catalina to Mammoth Mountain, he lived the California lifestyle. He had the gift of storytelling and creating “A Good Time” wherever he went.

Franklin has 30 registered patents predominately in the aerospace industry, where he was known as “Mr. Taper Lok”. His businesses included Briles Mfg., Missilcraft, Briles Rivet and Briles Palm Farm.

Frank was a member of the Neighborhood Church, St. Andrews Presbyterian, Fallbrook Presbyterian Church and lastly, the Crystal Cathedral. His social clubs included Los Caballeros Riding club, Abalone Cove, Kramer Club, Rolling Hills Country Club and The Balboa Yacht Club. He represented the US abroad for OSHA and ASTM.

A private family burial is planned at the Crystal Cathedral, Memorial Gardens.

Celebration of his life will be held 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 at his home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: “Border Collies in Need,” 621 W. 25th St., #104, San Pedro, CA 90732.