Douglas Richard Bivens of Montgomery, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Middletown. He was 83.
The son of Walter Bivens Sr. and Frances Luscomb Gregory, he was born April 28, 1937 in Downsville, NY. He was also very close to his stepfather, Howard Gregory, of Downsville NY.
Douglas grew up in Downsville, NY and went to Downsville Central Schools where he graduated as salutatorian of his class. Soon after high school, he joined the US Air Force where he served his country honorably as an Airman Second Class with the 301st Maintenance Squadron attached to the Strategic Air Command. He dutifully worked on jet engines and bombers and received a Medal of Good Conduct while he served.
After his time in the military, he worked a variety of jobs including a time at Breakstone’s Creamery and then in construction. Douglas was then hired by IBM in Fishkill, NY, where he worked for the next thirty years until his retirement.
Douglas is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Edna Bivens. Doug and Edna shared a strong love for Christ, a love of country, and a love of family with their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were known to their family and friends as “Meme and Grandpa.” They enjoyed traveling and sightseeing together and took many road trips across America visiting the entire continental US (48 states) together.
Douglas loved the Lord Jesus and he and Edna were faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Walden for almost 40 years. He was faithful to the Pro-Life movement and was a supporter of the Orange County Right to Life. Douglas and Edna were also very active with New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms for many years, driven by their patriotism and love of our nation’s history. Douglas had a heart for ministry and he played a significant and sacrificial role in the building of the Chapel Field Christian School’s Campus, using his talents in construction.
Douglas was known by those around him as a man of few words but as faithful and true. He was a meticulous record keeper, lover of crossword puzzles, an avid Bible reader, and the ultimate handy man. His family felt like he could fix anything if he set his mind to it.
He leaves a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled, but we rejoice that he is with his Savior and that he is experiencing a joy and peace that is only found in Him.
Survivors include his wife Edna at home; daughters Kristina Spanjer and husband Bill, Kelly Cerniglia and husband Daniel, Tracy Blum and husband Guy, Kim Mattson and husband Mark and Janice Stickle and husband Blaine; grandchildren Andrew, Jacob, Emma, Abigail, Thomas, Dylan, Dustin, Angelina, Jessica, Jamie, Robert, Kathie, Jade, Devin; great grandchildren Justin, Dylan Jr., Elijah, Savannah, Caleb, Kendra, John, Luccia, Harmony
He was predeceased by brothers Raymond Bivens and Walter Bivens
A service was held Saturday, April 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Walden
Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Chapel Field Christian Schools, 211 Fleury Road, Pine Bush, NY 12566 or Orange County Right to Life, PO Box 51, Washingtonville, NY 10992.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.