Darrell Lee Jividen

Darrell Lee Jividen, age 91 of Mishawaka, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.  Darrell was born in February of 1930, in Putnam County, West Virginia to the late Harley and Mary (Garrison) Jividen.  At the age of 16, Darrell heard the call of his country and enlisted in the US Air Force where he served honorably during the WWII and Korean War eras.  His love for his country and patriotism was strong throughout his life.  

Following his time in the military, he attended Ashland College.  In July of 1956, he married Sharlene L. Armstrong in Mansfield, Ohio.  They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Sharlene survives, along with their sons Jeffrey Jividen of Wilmington, North Carolina and Douglas (Linda) Jividen of Mishawaka, Indiana.  Surviving as well are his grandchildren Tonya Jividen, Jason Jividen, Adam (Kelsey) Jividen and Erin (Mike) Dines, along with his great grandchildren Oliver Jividen and Parker Dines.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Stanley, Emery and Don Jividen, Mazie Jividen and Thelma Knapp, as well as his daughter in law, Kay Jividen and his grandson in law Xavier Nunez.  Darrell loved his family immensely and became the cornerstone of their family and the example of a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 5:30 funeral service on Monday, October 11, 2021, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Military honors will follow, and a private burial will take place after the services.  For those unable to attend, a livestream of Darrell’s service will be broadcast in real time from his webpage on our website at www.CruzFamilyFH.com.

Darrell was an agent for Allstate insurance and developed a wonderful relationship with his clients.  Later, he was employed as a line worker by Westinghouse in Ohio.

A natural athlete, Darrell spent time outside of work playing golf and softball, and as a young man, had a tryout with a semi-pro baseball team.  His love for sports led him to serve as a lineman at soccer games and announce basketball games at Temple Christian School in Mansfield, Ohio.  The Jividens were also longtime members of Mansfield Baptist Temple where Darrell enjoyed serving others as a Deacon and through their bus ministry.

Following his retirement from Westinghouse, Darrell and Sharlene moved to Naples, Florida to be closer to their sons.  There, Darrell joined First Baptist Church and enjoyed fellowship and worship with his family.  In 2015, he and Sharlene moved to Mishawaka to again be closer to their family.  Upon moving back to the Michiana area, they became members of Oak Creek Community Church.  

More than anything, Darrell loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He shared his faith with others through his generosity and kindness and held steadfast to the Lord throughout his life.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Send Network Indiana Memorial Fund. Please make checks payable to SCBI, 7805 State Road 39, Martinsville, IN 46151.  On the memo line please indicate “Send Network Indiana Memorial Fund.”

To share a story of Darrell’s life, light a virtual candle in his memory, or share a message of comfort with his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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