MUNCIE - Dr. Donald Edward Bivens, age 56, Muncie, passed away the night of Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Morrison Woods Health Campus.  Don was born on May 19, 1955 at Winchester, Indiana to Ed and Evelyn Bivens.  He graduated from Richmond High School and attended Ball State University.  Following graduation, he taught economics at Winchester High School before returning to Ball State for graduate studies.  He taught many courses while working on his Master's Degree and Doctorate in Social Studies with concentrations in US and World History as well as Cultural Anthropology.   During this time, he met and married Mary Ann Hooten, also completing her degrees.  His dissertation was entitled Joseph Goddard: Muncie Businessman and Quaker Leader.

Upon completion of his degrees, he taught at Ball State University for over twenty-five years, and he was instrumental in developing the Prison Education Program through Continuing Education.  Don was also Adjunct Professor over the years at Indiana University, at Kokomo as well as IU East at Richmond.  He also served as an instructor at University of Indianapolis, and worked with Vincennes University's Migrant Education Program.

Don won numerous awards for teaching throughout his career.  The award that has meant the most to him is the "Excellence in Teaching Award" presented to him on May 31, 2002 by the Northwestern Jaycees.  This award was recognition of his teaching contributions in the Prison Programs around the State.  He prized this as the most valued award of his teaching career because it came from the community.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, of Muncie and their three children.  These include his son, Morgan Edward Roscoe Bivens (girlfriend: Quila Beckenbaugh), a daughter, Meaghan Elizabeth Bivens, and the youngest son, Matthew Robert Bivens.  Don and Mary Ann have a very close group of friends that are considered family.  These include Fred and Carol Shears, Dr. James and Maggie Coffin, Louise Gerhman, Becky Clark, Ron and Patty Nichols, Jeff Evans, LuAnn Vargo, and Mona Kendall.  This unique group of friends provided joy and friendship for almost forty years and were especially important to him while he was ill.  On Mary Ann's side, he has many brothers and sisters as well as over forty nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who cared for him. Don is also survived by a step brother, Tom Bivens, wife, Jo Ellen and two daughters, of Richmond, Indiana.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Mary Ann.

A celebration of his life will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with Dr. Michael Burchick officiating.  Burial will follow in English, Indiana at Mathers Chapel Cemetery with a private graveside service.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

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