Harry Donald “Don” Bivens, 84, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on Monday morning, June 6, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
Don was well known to many in this area as a backhoe operator and owner for many years. He was born in Athens, TN on May 22, 1932 a son of the late Elias and Ida Jackson Bivens. Don was an honorably discharged veteran from the United States Army after faithfully serving his country. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the Korean War. He was an avid UT football fan and he and his wife Eulene bowled for many years on local leagues.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings, Frank Killian, Louise Killian, Edna Bivens Gentry, Archie Bivens, Malcom “Jim” Bivens, Minness Bivens Rogers, Mildred Bivens Trentham and Robert “Bobby” Bivens Sr.; treasured sisters-in-law, Faye Tucker, Edith Gaddis, Jeanette Taylor and Louella Posey.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eulene Swafford Bivens; special brother-in-law, Gene Tucker; beloved niece and nephews and their families, Kim & Rodney Dillard and their children Tucker & Shanna Dillard, Kaitlin Dillard & Olivia Dillard, Anthony & Kristi Tucker and their children Briley Tucker & Bella Tucker and Gary & Brenda Blackwell; and numerous other extended family members and special friends.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers to Don & Eulene and especially Candace Creighton, Judy Creighton & Lora with Hospice of Chattanooga.
A celebration of his life is planned for Wednesday, June 8 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 2419 Georgetown Rd in Cleveland, TN with the Reverend Rob Works officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens and will conclude with Military Honors. Tucker Dillard, Luke Bivens, Don Bivens, Sam Bivens, Curtis Creighton and Bobby Goins will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Tucker, Anthony Tucker, Gary Blackwell, Rodney Dillard & Bobby Bivens.
The family will receive friends in the funeral home parlor from 1-3 p.m. service time.
Companion Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.