Julius "Sonny" Biggs was born on August 27, 1931, in St. Louis, MO, and passed peacefully on October 15, 2021.
Sonny was a jokester and never met a stranger. He was a faithful follower of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and Blues Hockey. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Sonny married the love of his life, Jo Ann, on November 30, 1953. They settled in Fairmont City where they raised four children and operated the family business, Biggs Brothers Service Station, for more than 60 years.
Sonny, also known as "Pops" and "Papa Sonny", was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Jo Ann (nee Edwards) Biggs; his parents, Joseph and Theresa (nee Palank) Biggs; and a brother, Ronald Biggs.
Surviving are their children: Cynthia (Kurt) Cooper, Jason (Patti) Biggs, Robin (Marcia) Biggs, and Valinda (Randy) Brandriff-Biggs; grandchildren: Meadrith (George) Kruse, Rory (Elly) Biggs, Matthew (Alex) Brandriff, Amber Biggs, Amelia (Michael) Romann, Jennifer Cooper, and Michael Cooper; great-grandchildren: G.R. Kruse, Karalyn Biggs, Tucker Kruse, Elliot Kruse, and Oliver Cooper; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We will always remember Pops as the "Original Wimpy". Every day is a burger day.
Visitation will be 9 -11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL. Masks are required to be worn.
Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Candice Wassell and Vicar Brian Moeller officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ALS Association and will be received at the visitation. Donations may also be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
