Commander Craig Sherwin Givens, United States Navy, Retired, of Newport News, Virginia, formerly of Perrysburg, 57, went to the Lord on Friday, April 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with ALS.
Craig was born January 3, 1965, in DeKalb, DeKalb County, Illinois, to Clyde Straley Jr. and Nathalie (Strong) Givens. In 1969, the family moved to Somers, Westchester County, New York, where he attended preschool and then Primrose Elementary School. The family moved in June of 1973, to Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio. He attended Elm Street Elementary School (now Toth Elementary School), Perrysburg Middle School, Perrysburg Junior High School, and Perrysburg High School. He played in Big Red football and junior high football. In high school, he lettered in wrestling, football and track. On the track team he was a pole vaulter. Craig was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in 1983.
He received a Navy R.O.T.C. full scholarship to the Ohio State University. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity and graduated in 1988, with a bachelor of science degree in finance. He received additional schooling at Naval Post Graduate School from 1993 to 1995 in Monterey, California, receiving a bachelor of science and master of science in electrical engineering. In 1996, he attended Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island. After graduation from the Ohio State University, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and served 20 years, retiring in 2008. His duty stations included San Diego, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Newport, Rhode Island; Monterey, California; Yokosuka, Japan; Earl, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia, and when he retired as a Commander in 2008, he was an instructor at Dam Neck, Virginia.
He served during the first Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served a tour as Executive Officer on the USS Seattle (AOE 3), a supply ship that went out with the USS John F. Kennedy battle group during Operation Enduring Freedom. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was the Chief of Staff to the Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 that went out with the USS Harry Truman battle group.
Since retiring, he worked as electrician and carpenter’s helper for a home remodeler until he became ill with ALS.
Craig was a past state officer for Ohio Society Children of the American Revolution, aging out at 22. He was a member-at-large of the Ohio Society Sons of the American Revolution. He also was a member of the Fallen Timbers Chapter of DeMolay.
Craig was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Straley Givens Jr.; uncle, Clarence B. Givens, and aunt, Pamela Strong Whitmore. He is survived by his mother, Nathalie Elizabeth Strong Givens of Daleville, Virginia; sister, Diane Josephine Givens Dunkelberger and her husband, Richard D. Dunkelberger, of Groveport, Ohio; nephew, Kevin Austin Dunkelberger; his aunt, Karolyn Givens; uncle, Carroll T. and aunt, Toy Givens; aunt, Ruth Givens; his housemate, Dean Nollinger; many, many cousins, and his canine companion, Layla.
The family also would like to thank all of Craig’s neighbors, friends and caregivers who helped with his care during his illness.
Visitation in Roanoke, Virginia was on Sunday, April 10, from 6 until 8 p.m., for family and friends at Oakey’s East Chapel. An open house in Newport News for neighbors, friends, family and caregivers will be at his home sometime in the future. Burial was held at Ross Cemetery, Craig County, Virginia, with graveside services Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m., followed by a military farewell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Society of DC/MD/VA Chapter, 8100 Three Chopt Road, Suite 147, Richmond, Virginia 23229 or to the donor’s choice.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
Arrangements by Oakey’s East Chapel, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-977-3909.