Marlin H. Givens passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at age 79.
Marlin was born January 31, 1941, the first of six sons of Alvin Longenecker Givens and Bernice Heagy Givens of Elizabethtown.
He graduated from Elizabethtown Area High School in June 1960. Marlin worked during high school at Moose’s 5&10 in Elizabethtown. His boss told him he could keep working there until August 1960, when he began employment at Hershey Chocolate Company, retiring in 1998.
He is survived by his second wife, Rosie, and his five brothers: Paul, David, Robert, Harold, and Elvin. Marlin and Rosie lived at Londonderry Village, Palmyra. Marlin was preceded in death in 2006 by Helen Freeland Givens, his first wife of almost 40 years, an R.N. at Hershey Medical Center.
All who knew Marlin recognized his servant heart. He was grateful that the Lord saved him at age 4 1/2 and was the epitome of Romans 12:10 “… in honor preferring one another.” Marlin lived his life exercising the gift of helps. He served his parents and his five brothers and their families in deeply personal ways. Though he and Helen had no children, he led the early childhood ministry, birth through age four, at Mt. Calvary Church, Elizabethtown, for 23 years. He recruited workers, organized the departments, and developed the teaching curriculum.
In the 1980’s, Marlin joined Thousand Trails Camping Resort and soon was leading regular Sunday services at the campground near Palmyra, which he did for 22 years. He traveled widely in the United States. Marlin was also an accomplished woodworker and created jewelry, music boxes, and games in his workshop. Marlin is fondly remembered by his 15 nieces and nephews as the “uncle with no kids” who loved them all dearly and often made creative gifts for them.
When Helen’s health began to fail, they moved to Londonderry Village and Marlin became a faithful volunteer. He led the Sunday afternoon “Scripture and Song” ministry for residents, and after Helen’s death in 2006, took on another ministry, “Joyful Sounds,” for residents in skilled nursing areas.
Marlin loved music but didn’t play any instruments. After being a widower for some time, Marlin’s brother encouraged him to go on e-harmony and look for a wife who played an instrument. God graciously brought Rosie (Rosalyn) Andel into his life from Ohio. Rosie is an accomplished organist, pianist, and accordion player who taught Marlin to sing and greatly encouraged him in his ministries.
In recent years, Marlin and Rosie have worshiped at Lebanon Valley Bible Church. A private graveside service, led by LVBC pastor, Chan Cutting, was held at Silver Spring Cemetery, Lancaster County.
In lieu of flowers, Marlin requested that gifts be given to the Good Samaritan Fund, Londonderry Village, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra, PA 17078.
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