Obituary

A.J. Givens, 83, of Halfway, died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, in Olton. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Halfway. Private family burial will follow at a later date under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors of Olton. Mr. Givens was born Sept. 25, 1926, in Olton to E.E. and Maggie McClain Givens. He married Bettye Hammer on Sept. 25, 1944, in Lubbock. A.J. lived in Halfway for 60 years and was a lifetime farmer and rancher. He was a member of the Halfway Co-op Gin board of directors for many years. He was an original member of the Hale County Riding Club. Alongside his brother, Delmer, A.J. always led the Olton Sand?hills Celebration parade on his horse. He also was a staunch supporter of 4-H and FFA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Delmer Givens, in 2009. Survivors include his wife, Bettye, of Halfway; his son, Anthony Givens and his wife, Nadine, of Dallas; his daughter, Stacy Cognasi of Dodge City, Kan.; and his sister, Mary Miller of Plainview. He was blessed with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center, P.O. Box 409, Olton, TX 79064. The family will receive friends at Ramage Funeral Directors in Olton from 5-7 p.m. today, Feb. 16, 2010.