David Gordon Givens
July 12, 1942-December 31, 2022
David Gordon Givens, affectionately known as “The Giggler,” 80, of Lapel, passed away peacefully, surrounded and comforted by his loving family on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Community Hospital Anderson following a brief illness.
He was born on July 12, 1942 in Anderson to Dallas Givens and Dessie Mae (Kreegar) Givens.
Mr. Givens graduated from Anderson High School, Class of 1960. He retired after 31 ½ years from Delco Remy, a Division of General Motors, as a security officer. Always ready with a smile and known for his fun-loving, mischievous pranks, “The Giggler” thoroughly enjoyed working with his peers. Mr. Givens’ coworkers and friends often shared hilarious stories of “The Giggler’s” good-natured antics. His contagious laughter and sense of humor brought much joy and happiness to life inside and outside the factory.
In his bib overalls and t-shirt, he was always willing to help friends and family. Having an incredible mechanical ability, it seemed as though Mr. Givens could fix anything. He loved the outdoors and tinkering. You could often find him in his barn or on his lawnmower, mowing his yard to perfection – a “job” he thoroughly enjoyed. His family meant everything to him. Together, they enjoyed countless family vacations, including hunting trips to Wyoming and long weekends camping at state parks. He loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them many life skills and how to have fun – unfortunately, they never really knew the “real words” to nursery rhymes. After retirement, Mr. Givens and his wife especially enjoyed good times with their many friends at the Lapel Fraternal Order of Eagles, where they are members.
Survivors include his wife Lola (Patton) Givens, whom he married on July 19, 1963; 3 children Ronald (Julie) Givens of Carmel, Scott Givens of Anderson and Leah (Chris) Sanders of Anderson; brother Douglas (Susan) Givens of Ohio; 3 sisters-in-law Jane Givens of Greenwood, Patsy (Lee) Cash of Anderson and Linda Van Dalsen of Virginia; 1 special cousin Richard Catt (“Uncle Dickey”) of Anderson; 2 special nieces Cindy Glover of Lapel and Patti (Dan) Brinker of Lapel; 4 grandchildren Renee (Charlie) Brattain, Andrea (Joe Walker) Givens, Abigail Maxey and Michael Maxey; 1 great-grandchild Jordan Brattain; and beloved pet Zoey.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Stephen Givens.
A memorial service is scheduled to be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Hersberger-Bozell Funeral Home, 1010 North Main St. in Lapel.
Visitation for family and friends to celebrate Mr. Givens’ life is scheduled to run from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lapel Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4323.
Online condolences may be shared at www.hersbergerbozell.com