Preston Wesley Givens, 1949–2023
Preston Wesley Givens passed away in Lubbock, Texas on October 28, 2023, at the age of 74. Preston was born on October 11, 1949, at Crosbyton Hospital to Melvin and Lena Givens.
As a child, Preston spent his time on a tractor or in trouble with his two brothers, Ted and Mickey. He spent his summers working at White River Lake under Al O’Brien. He was an avid member of FFA, participating in the judging teams and the parliamentary procedure team. He also received the Green Hand Award, Star Chapter Farmer, Showmanship Award, and many others. He received recognition for showing sheep in Lubbock, Abilene, Crosbyton and Brownwood shows.
Preston attended Crosbyton ISD, graduating in 1968. It is there where he met the love of his life, and his future wife, Lucinda O’Brien. They married on August 22, 1970.
After graduation, Preston attended South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, also enrolling in a welding class on the side. He enjoyed his time there with his friends Rex Harrison and Aubrey Stark. In 1971, he earned a degree from SPC and headed to Tech. Preston attended Texas Tech University, majoring in animal science.
He worked at the Texas A&M Experiment Station, stopping to grab Wienerschnitzel and visit Mickey on his way to work each day. He told many stories of college fun with his brother Mickey and friend Kermit Wooley, usually that involved them being up to no good. Preston and Cinda welcomed their first child, Heath Wesley Givens, on April 25, 1973. Preston then graduated in May of 1973.
After graduating, Preston and Cinda made the decision to move to Spur, where Preston started a career at the John Deere house. He worked there for two years. Soon after, in 1974, Preston decided to change career paths and become a full-time farmer after renting a farm in Dickens County from Lloyd Martin. From there, he began buying his own equipment and cattle, a lifelong dream of his. In 1976, Preston and Cinda welcomed a daughter, Kandice Denise Givens. As the years continued, he was very active in the Spur Stock Show Association, Spur School Board, and South Plains Electric Cooperative. He also was very involved in his own children’s stock show activities and enjoyed taking them to a number of major stock shows.
As the years passed, Preston enjoyed his time on his farm. He took pride in his land and his family. He soon became a “Beeber” to four grandkids and spoiled them beyond belief. There were no rules with Beeber, a fact that was widely known and taken advantage of. When not on a tractor or outside, Preston spent his time watching Judge Judy in his chair and drinking Pepsi. He also was known to carry a pack of gum and a few $20.s that he enjoyed handing out to all he met.
Preston is survived by his wife, Lucinda Givens of Spur; his daughter Kandice Bell and husband Warren Bell of Leander and their children, Appolyne and Ashton Bell also of Leander, Teas; his son, Heath Givens as well as Tonya Givens and her two girls, Madison and Weslyn Givens of Spur, Texas; one brother, Mickey Givens and family of Crosbyton, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Lena Givens of Crosbyton; his in-laws, Al and Jo O’Brien; and brother Ted Givens of Nebraska.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Spur Methodist Church in Spur, Texas, with Kermit Woolley officiating. Burial will follow at Crosbyton Cemetery under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Jay Allen, Bobby Baker, Billy Hale, Scott Martin, Steve Riley, Aubrey Stark, Kirk Thomason, and Dennis Wyatt. Honorary pallbearers are Russ Edinburg, Joe Garcia, Eric Swenson, Bryan Thomas, and Darrell Thomason.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dickens County Junior Livestock Show or the Spur Volunteer Fire Department.
