Ysmael “Maye” Briones
Age 85, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
He was born on May 13, 1941, in Coleman, Texas, to Daniel and Libertad (Garza) Briones.
Ysmael developed a strong work ethic at a very young age. As the eldest of nine children, he assumed adult responsibilities while still a boy. After the family moved from Coleman to Lubbock, Texas, he worked alongside his family in the cotton fields. By the age of 12, he was driving a tractor. He often shared stories of spending nights irrigating crops during his teenage years.
Ysmael graduated from Vernon High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that December. An entry in his high school yearbook Hall of Fame described him as having “that big, bright smile and serious ‘hello’ for everyone. He is courteous and considerate of each person with whom he came into contact. His willingness to work and his great sincerity win respect from everyone. He is a joy to know.” Those words remained fitting throughout his entire life.
In September 1961, Ysmael married the love of his life, Janie (Leija) Briones. He served as an aircraft mechanic with the 95th Bomb Wing in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1967 during the Vietnam War. After completing two terms of service, he returned to Texas.
In 1970, Ysmael moved his family to Lansing, Michigan after his uncle, Herbey Garza, encouraged him to pursue employment opportunities in the automotive industry. He was hired at Oldsmobile in June 1971 and became a journeyman model maker. A proud and active member of UAW Local 652, he was affectionately nicknamed “Yogi” by his coworkers in Experimental Sheet Metal. He became a skilled operator of a CO₂ laser and later spent many years in the Jobs Bank program, where he mentored children in Lansing-area schools. After 35 years and two months with General Motors, he retired in 2006.
Known for his intelligence, Ysmael could carry on a conversation about virtually any topic. While working full-time and raising a family, he earned several associate degrees. Family and friends knew him as “Mr. Fix It” because there was little he could not build or repair. He enjoyed riding motorcycles on and off road, admired classic cars and hot rods, loved airplanes, baseball and cherished camping trips with family. He also enjoyed gardening and kept an immaculate yard and rose garden.
In addition to his active-duty service, Ysmael dedicated another 20 years to serving his country through the Air National Guard, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. He concluded his military career working on A-10 Warthog aircraft.
Ysmael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He embraced the joy of supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events and other activities. Above all else, nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with family and friends. He cherished the moments surrounded by family.
Ysmael is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Janie Briones; children, Edward Briones (Deb Brown), Laurie Briseño, Lucinda Briones (Jose Torrez), Leticia Briones, and Daniel (Elisa) Briones; grandchildren, Robert, Leticia (Alex), Brandi, Bryan, Brooke, Brittney, Roberto, Alyssa, Abel, and Carson; great-grandchildren, Antonio, Adrienne, Ava, Makenna, Andre, Adalina, and Apollo Ysmael; brothers, Eloy (Jean) Briones, Orfelio (Evelyn) Briones, Abelardo (Leah) Briones, Eduardo (Haiyan) Briones, and Fernando (Jackie) Briones; sisters, Oralia Perez and Berta Perez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Libertad Briones; his sister, Alda Garza; and many beloved members of his extended family.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the phenomenal care team whose compassion, dedication and support meant so much to Ysmael and his loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel and again one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Ysmael.
