Velma William "Bill" Bivens, age 89, formerly of Cape Girardeau, MO, died Monday, September 7, 1998, at Freeburg Care Center, Urbana Rd. in Freeburg, IL.Mr. Bivens was born May 10, 1909, in Maroa, IL, to James M. and Georgeanne Prather Bivens. He married Cona May Potter in Cape Girardeau, MO, on August 11, 1962. She preceded him in death in 1989.

Mr. Bivens was employed for 33 years as a truck driver for 66 Express in Springfield, MO. He was a member of The First Christian Church in Cape Girardeau, MO, Grand Lodge of Missouri - Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Retired Teamsters Union of Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his son, James. E. (husband of Betty) Bivens, Belleville, IL; a daughter, Azalea Lorene (wife of Ron) Murry of Carol Stream, IL, a daughter, Judith Kay (wife of Roger) Jorgenson of Cleveland, OH; a step-son, Robert (husband of "Sammy") Baker of Cape Girardeau, MO; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be Friday, September 11, 1998, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel, followed by graveside services at Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Philip N. Curran officiating.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to The First Christian Church of Cape Girardeau.