Nelson C. Bivens, Jr., age 88, of Greenfield, passed away on May 1, 2011, at his home. Born on April 25, 1923, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Nelson C. Bivens, Sr. and Crystal Bivens.
He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1940 and attended the University of Arkansas. He married Mildred E. Smith who preceded him in death. He then married Charlene Williamson Stewart on October 3, 1981. Mr. Bivens retired from Western Electric after 25 years then worked at the U.S. Postal Office as a sorter for another 11 years before retiring again.
Nelson was a member of the Keystone Masonic Lodge #251, the Scottish Rite, the Murat Shrine, American Legion Post #119, Moose Lodge #2118 of Shelbyville, Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Communication Workers Union. He was also a veteran of the United States Marines who served during WWII during 1940-1945 and earned a Purple Heart during his service.
Surviving him are his wife, Charlene Williamson Stewart Bivens of Greenfield; daughter, Elizabeth (Stephen) Hilliard of Lexington, Ky.; Charlene’s children, Myra Stewart of Martinsville, Kenneth Stewart of Southport, N.C., Paul Stewart of Memphis, Tenn., and Karen (Joseph) Donner of Greenfield; and grandchildren, Heather Hilliard, Christin Hilliard, Stephen M. Hilliard, Cara Bivens, Angie Bivens, Micah Pagano, and Andrew Pagano. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter from his second marriage.
Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Mildred E. Smith Bivens; children, Nelson “Butch” Bivens, Gerald Bivens, and Pamela (Bivens) Pagano; and a sister, Martha Cunningham.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the mortuary. Pastor Tony Pagano will be officiating and burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Fishers.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
