Rodney Charles Givens
July 5, 1946 – July 5, 2024
Rodney Charles Givens, born July 5, 1946, to Charles and Millie Givens in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1964. He spent his summers working for Union Pacific Railroad before joining the Army Reserve in 1967. Rod then embarked on a long career as a blacksmith with UPRR/BNSF, retiring in 2006.
On July 11, 1973, Rod married Joanne Wagner. Throughout his youth, he was deeply involved in softball, forming lifelong friendships with his teammates. His dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Omaha Softball Association Hall of Fame in April 1994. Rod was also an avid bowler and golf enthusiast, and he (most of the time) passionately supported his HUSKERS
Rod’s greatest pride and joy were his two sons, Drew and Brad. His most cherished moments were witnessing his sons’ joys and accomplishments and, later, those of his grandchildren. Though a man of few words, Rod spoke with genuine warmth and excitement when he talked about his family.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his sons Drew (Emily) of Springfield, MO, and Brad (Becca) of Omaha, NE; and his grandchildren Grant, Avery, and Elle Givens and Spencer and Chandler Schaefer.
Please join us for Rod’s CELEBRATION OF LIFE on Wednesday, July 17th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 pm at DJ’s Dugout, 777 N 114th St. Omaha, NE 68154. Feel free to share your words and memories of Rod during this time.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: To Central High School Foundation, 1111 N 13th St. Suite 318, Omaha, NE 68102; or to the Briggs O’Neill Memorial Foundation at American National Bank, 8990 West Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68114, Attn: Deb Voska.
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