Clarence Givhan was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on August 23, 1940 to Robert and Inez (Turner) Givhan. He died in Beloit on December 8, 2001, at the age of 61, from a long time debilitating illness. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School and in 1959, married Maxine Steele, with two sons of that union, Timothy and Christopher, who survived him.

Clarence’s occupation was as Supervisor of the Clerks at the Beloit Post Office until his illness forced his retirement. His vocation, regardless of his pressing health issues, was as a leader of his community and his church, New Zion Baptist Church.

He was an active volunteer and active in numerous community organizations, and was elected to the Beloit City Council in 1980 and 1984, also elected as a rock County Supervisor, serving on the Rock County Board. He served as President of the Beloit Chapter of the NAACP, and a member of the founding board of Neighborhood Housing Service. He was one of the leaders in the formation and development of the Merrill Neighborhood Community.

He was a vocal and aggressive advocate of the development of land for industrial expansion, the improvement of the downtown business center, Riverside Park and other recreational areas of Beloit, and his leadership and vision in great part has been achieved.

Although he was hampered by illness, community leaders didn’t feel his spirit was diminished in any way. His actions spoke of a man who wanted to help change his community and help it grow. In the words of Rev. Floyd Prude, Jr., at his funeral services…”I remember him fondly as one who really wanted the best for the Community.” Those words expressed by Rev. Prude reflect the thoughts and memory of the neighbors, friends and citizens of Beloit, and their appreciation for his dedicated service to them and all members of the Beloit community.
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