Monroe Lee Bivens

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Life Tabernacle Church, Wichita Falls, with Rev. Gene Holley, Jr., pastor, officiating, assisted by former pastor, Rev. Wendell P. Elms of Lufkin, Texas. Graveside services will follow in Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home of Iowa Park, Texas.

Visitation with family and friends will be held at Life Tabernacle Church from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Monroe was born December 18, 1935 in Paris, Texas. He married the love of his life, Lula Pearl Basham on October 19, 1953 in Paris, Texas. Monroe was a brick mason for many years, but his most important occupation was living for God. He was a member of Life Tabernacle Church for the last 13 years. He was a saint of God and a ‘REAL” Soldier of the cross and never met a stranger. He loved people and people loved him. He was always giving himself for the Kingdom of God! Never wanting recognition for the hours he gave to the Lord … knocking doors until he covered all of Wichita Falls and the surrounding area, cooking for church functions, shaking hands of guests and making them feel welcome, supporting and loving the Pastors that were privileged to have him in their churches. The band of Heaven welcomed him “HOME” Thursday morning, but he probably waved them aside as he went straight to the throne of God to worship! He was a hero in many people’s books, but not his book. With tears running down his face he would say …. “I’m a nobody! You know what I mean? I’m just honored to be in the Church! Wherever I can serve, that’s what makes me happy! Know what I mean?” He will be greatly missed by many, but we know he’s gone on to that heavenly reward that he has so worked for.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Monroe Bivens and Alice Rosie Humphrey Bivens, two daughters, Lou Ann Bivens and Elizabeth Diane Bivens, and a sister, Delois Yvonne Mowrey.

Survivors include wife, Lula Pearl Bivens; two daughters, Sharon Delaine Bivens and Sherry Elaine Marchbanks and husband, David Brian; grandchildren, Lauren Nicole Blankenship, Simeon Brian Marchbanks, and Dawson Jacob Marchbanks; a sister, Mattie Louise Watson and husband, Gary Gene; brother-in-law, Fred Mowrey; and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Kenny Frazier, Chris Isom, Keith Norman, Charles Loveland, Brad Cash and Joseph Cameron.

Memorials are suggested to Life Tabernacle Church, Community Outreach Fund, 4350 Seymour Highway, Wichita Falls, TX 76309. Please leave messages of condolence for the family at www.duttonfuneralhome.com.