JOHN “Jack” R. GIVEN, 79 of Darlington, MD, died Wednesday, September 14, 2016. Married for 25 years, he was the loving husband of Mary Jane (Kidd) Given. Born July 27, 1937 in Henderson, MD, he was a twin son of the late Walter C. Sr. and Marguerite (McNabb) Given.

Jack was a mechanic by trade, retiring from the State of Maryland where he had worked on government vehicles for many years. He enjoyed traveling and camping that included a cross-country trip and several favorite spots on the east coast. Jack enjoyed casinos and would occasionally play the slots. Although he never had children of his own, he loved his step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart. Spending time with his family was very important in addition to loving his church family; he was a member of Emory United Methodist Church for over 40 years. Jack was fun loving with a laid-back personality and was treasured by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by
3 step children of his late wife, Melba (Metcalf) Given-
Tom Summers
Joyce Summers
Rita Summers

1 step son of his late wife, Elizabeth Ann (Ashely) Given-
Darrell 'Buddy' Ashley, Sr.

1 step daughter of Mary Jane-
Melinda Bailey

13 grandchildren

4 great grandchildren

1 sister- Anna Mae Heath

He is preceded by
4 step children-
Frank Summers
Patricia Ashley
Craig Hoffman
Anthony Kearney

8 siblings-
Pearl Tichenor
Ruth Steele
Mary Castelow
Henry Given
Thomas Given
Wesley Given
Walter “Buddy” Given, Jr.
James R. Given, his twin

Visitation will be Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Emory United Methodist Church, 911 Cherry Hill Road, Street, MD 21154 where the funeral service will be held on Monday at 12 noon with Pastor Stephen Smith and the former pastor, Reverend Dr. Paul Benjamin co-officiating. Interment will be in Emory Cemetery with military honors presented at graveside by the Mason-Dixon American Legion Post #194, Rising Sun, MD.

In memory of Jack, contributions can be made to Emory United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 94, Street, MD 21154.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of John R. Given, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.