Robert Louis Givens, known as Givy to almost everyone who knew him, passed away on May 28, 2026, at Pana Health and Rehab Center. He was born on July 7, 1948, to Hartzel and Louise Givens of Taylorville. Their only child was interested in anything outdoors, so naturally he went head-long into the local Boy Scout Troop where he earned many merit badges, awards, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Bob was a fan of music of all kinds and learned to play the piano and clarinet. He took part in a European tour with the Taylorville High School marching band in 1965 and graduated from Taylorville High School in 1966. Following high school, he attended Eureka College for a couple of years before entering the workforce, and more importantly, meeting the love of his life- Cynthia Bateson. Bob and Cindy married in 1971 and had the time of their young lives. They toured the country in their old van, also traveled to Mexico and Canada before settling down in their hometown of Taylorville. Bob began a long career at the newly built Commonwealth Edison power plant where he worked as an electrician, often working through outages and lots of overtime.
After 9 years of marriage Bob and Cindy had their only child, Alexis I. Givens in 1980. Beyond chasing Alexis around with all of her activities, Bob became a member of a canoe club, the CICA. Bob and his fellow canoe enthusiast trekked down every river in the State of Illinois and many in neighboring states. For seven years the CICA took the ultimate canoe trip to the Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota. Bob earned the title of “The Admiral” of his group and most of them still refer to him by this title to this day. Bob retired early from the power plant, and he and Cindy bought a little place in Florda and became snowbirds.
In 2010 Bob lost the love of his life to a year’s long battle with breast cancer. There was still too much life in Bob for him to follow right away and he continued to vacation in their place in Forida for several more years. That is where he met Barbara, a magnetic woman from the UP of Michigan who lived just down the street from Bob in Florida. Barb’s daughter Chris and granddaughters Abby, Tabby, and Gabby all embraced Bob as their own. Sadly, after only a few years, Bob lost Barb to a long-term fight with breast cancer. A man’s heart can only take so much. Unfortunately, that was proven when on May 28th, Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep, hopefully dreaming of his loves. You finally get to be with your angels Daddy.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents: Hartzel and Louise Givens and his wife: Cynthia Bateson Givens. He is survived by his only daughter: Alexis I Givens.
Bob will be cremated, and no services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop 132 in Taylorville, c/o McClure Funeral Home, 302 W Poplar St. Taylorville, IL 62568, or the Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Rd, Taylorville, IL 62568. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
