of Conway, AR
July 18, 1950 - April 10, 2014
John William Givens Jr., 63, of Conway, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2014 at his home. He was born July 18, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was married to his best friend and soul mate June 21, 1969. John dedicated 42 years of service to Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 2010. He also spent many years as a member of the Arkansas Arabian Horse Club showing horses, cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, fishing, playing golf, working on his farm, and playing in his pool with his grandkids.
John is survived by his loving wife Karen K. Givens of Conway, his son, Jeremy Givens and his fiancé, Karie Reinert of Omaha, NE, two daughters, Stacey Bates and her husband Terry of Conway, Misty Harp and her fiancé, Jake Pitman of Greenbrier, two brothers, Ralph Givens and his wife, Sandy of Ft. Calhoun, NE, Donnie Kriegler and his wife, Margaret of Omaha, NE, one sister Shirley Oliver of Ft. Calhoun, NE and grandsons, Austin Harp, Zachary Harp, and Jace Harp all of Greenbrier, and grandson, Colton Givens of North Platte, NE and many beloved sister and brother in laws and nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his mother Nina Callabretta and brother in law Ben Oliver.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2014 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway (501) 327-7727, with Gerry Billson officiating. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be John's grandsons, Austin Harp, Zachary Harp, Jace Harp, and Colton Givens. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13th at the funeral home.
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38 Condolence(s)
Laura and Gene Graves
Monday, April 14, 2014
John was truly an outstanding gentleman, friend and gift to the Arabian horse world. He will be missed and remembered as an outstanding asset to the community and an inspiration. We so appreciate his generous contributions to Horse Tales Literacy Project. .
Bob Brackemyer
Monday, April 14, 2014
I'm truly sorry for your families loss. I worked with John for many years and he was well respected, a respect earned the hard way, on the floor. He was a friend and comfort to me going through my health issues even while he battled his own. I'm sorry my UAMS appointment made the services impossible to make but the family like John is in my heart and prayers. Bob Brackemyer
Colleen Sobanski
Monday, April 14, 2014
John will be missed. He was one of the reason my mom and I got back into Arabians. I never forget going with mom and dad to pick up Bando in the early 90's, and then in 2002 I had Lady (Offspring of King). Nothing but good memories and loads of fun. John was a large part of it all.
Joan Petersen
Monday, April 14, 2014
John, or as I called him DJ, was a long time friend of mine and very special to me. I will miss him very much.
Laura Horton
Monday, April 14, 2014
So sorry for you and your family's loss stacey - You have all of my family's prayers in your time of need
Stephanie Colpitts
Monday, April 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. From the stories we've heard from Jeremy and Karie, it's easy to see how John was loved by so many. Thinking of you all!
Steph & Terry Colpitts
jack davis
Monday, April 14, 2014
co worker and friend
Raymond L. Armon
Monday, April 14, 2014
John Givens was a friend and mentor to me. He was a man with true integrity and professionalism. I enjoyed working with John and I will always remember him for his leadership qualities and caring personality. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend.
Bonnie Smith
Sunday, April 13, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. What a fine man who will be missed.
Larry Shestak
Sunday, April 13, 2014
R.I.P. my friend.
bob white
Saturday, April 12, 2014
i'm sorry for your lost, i work around john at uprr in north little rock
D.D.& Gloria Young
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Your are in our Prayers and Thoughts.
Matt & Barbi Burton
Friday, April 11, 2014
So sorry for the loss of John. He hired me in 1995 as a Boilermaker at the railroad. He was a great teacher and a good man. He will be greatly missed. Aka (Ironman)
Joan Enoch
Friday, April 11, 2014
I am so sad to learn that Mr. Givens has died. Stacey, I have followed your lovely parents on Facebook for the last few years and feel like I know them. Your family is very close and I pray for peace for all of you. Whenever you think of him, I pray that the happy memories will come into your minds first. Love you!
Mike& Cheryl Sudman
Friday, April 11, 2014
Karen and family ...our hearts go out to you in the loss of your loved one John. He was loved by many. Let the warm memories help during this time. John is at peace and will never be forgotten.
Dale Carter
Friday, April 11, 2014
Stacey and family so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God and your precious memories will help you thru.
Dale , John Wayne Carter
Dale Carter
Friday, April 11, 2014
Stacey and family so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God and your precious memories will help you thru.
Dale , John Wayne Carter
Rob & Barbara Morris
Friday, April 11, 2014
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to family & friends! John was loved & such an inspiration to all that knew him. As we all feel such a tremendous loss our hearts ache for the family. He has gone to his Heavenly Father & will soar with the angels. It's not good by to the one we loved so dearly.... It is see you later in that mansion in the sky! May God Bless you in your time of need & always! Love to all!
Cindy & Ted Grizzelle
Friday, April 11, 2014
Misty
So sorry for your loss. I know how you and your family has dealt with the pain and the unknown of what each day was going to bring and what you had to deal with. Just keep in mind that he is in a beautiful place and has gotten his glorious wings.
I will keep praying for you and your family.
Becky Gibson
Friday, April 11, 2014
To Misty and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Becky Gibson.
Woody and Margie Parker
Friday, April 11, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We met John when he purchased our hay for many years and he became a good friend. May God comfort you. With deepest sympathy, Woody and Margie Parker
Louse Anderson Shaw
Thursday, April 10, 2014
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to John's family. My heart hurts for them all. I'll always remember John at school in Fort Calhoun, Ne. He always made us laugh. I'll keep those memories with me always. (And Ralph too.).
David and Candy Bates
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Givens family, and know John will always be remembered. We love you.
David and Candy
Scarlet White-Acklin
Thursday, April 10, 2014
John touched so many lives by being an example of the kind of man God has worked through. He held the respect of all who knew him. The Arkansas Arabian Horse world was a much better place because of his devotion to the breed and to the people united in the effort to promote them. We will miss you, John.
Barb Wallace Melonis
Thursday, April 10, 2014
God's peace and blessings from my family to yours.
Chuck Rankin
Thursday, April 10, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your faith help ease your sorrow during this trying time.
Tim Burns
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Sorry for your loss , prays to all the family , rest in peace .
Glenn & Marilyn Strickland
Thursday, April 10, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. I know he will be missed by all. Remember all the good times and the memories that you all have made over the years. God Bless you all and love you all
Mary Reynolds
Thursday, April 10, 2014
So sorry Givens family. The battle was a tough one and you were so strong together. May John go to his resting place and reserve places for all of you. God be with you.
Til you meet again.
Roger and Marilyn Appel
Thursday, April 10, 2014
So very sorry...
Denise and Alan Harmon
Thursday, April 10, 2014
We feel so blessed to have known John and will cherish all the memories involving our beloved Arabian horses....
D. D. Matthews
Thursday, April 10, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss . I 'll will be keep all ifthe family in my prayers. Remember all if the good times.
Dixie Humphrey
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Karen,Stacie,Jeremy,Misty and all your family . I am heartbroken at the news of John's death. I wish I could give you all a big hug. Please know that I will be praying for all of you and you will be in my thoughts. May God bring you His comfort at this time,
Sending love to you all. Dixie
Erica Craig and Beth Felty
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Praying for you family, very sorry for your loss.
Rich & Kate Fowler
Thursday, April 10, 2014
I am glad I had a chance to work with John and be around him. He enjoyed life and it was a joy to know him. Praying for his family. John will be missed by many. RIP John.
Beth Lowrey
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Our prayers and heart felt condolences to The Givens family on their loss of an undeniably wonderful father, grandfather and husband. May you find comfort and peace in his going home to serve at the Lord's side.
Patsy McDowell
Thursday, April 10, 2014
My condolences to your family. You are in my prayers. May God give you peace and comfort. Love you all.
Your cousin Patsy.
Joe & Virginia Harris
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Our Prayers are with John and His Family. May he REST IN PEACE.