Robert Givens

Robert Benton Givens, known as Ben, passed away at home surrounded by family on the morning of July 31, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on April 28, 1933, in Keenan, West Virginia, to Charles Edward Givens and Vera Hedrick Givens, both of whom preceded him in death.

Ben was also preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jane Watman Givens, who passed in 2019, and his sister, Bonnie Jane Wickham.

He is survived by his brother-in-law Freeman Wickham; his children, Anthony Givens, Michael Givens (Anna), MaryAngela Erdle (Andrew), Bonnie Sammons (Dave), and Alex Givens (Keri); as well as 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ben grew up on the Givens family farm in Keenan, West Virginia. He attended Greenbrier Military School and later Marshall College. After completing his education, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps at Camp Gordon, Georgia, for two years. He then earned a degree in electrical engineering from Capital Electrical Engineering School in Washington, D.C.

In 1961, Ben married Jane Watman. Together, they resided and raised their family in Montgomery County, Maryland, before moving to Frederick County, Maryland, in 1999.

Ben was a world-renowned physicist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, He was known for his ability to troubleshoot complex problems and develop simple solutions, thanks to his unique talent for thinking outside the box. He was also an inventor and frequently worked on projects and experiments at home in addition to his work at the laboratory. His innovative thinking and contributions were reflected in numerous patents and publications throughout his career.

Outside of work, Ben had a wide range of interests. He was a pioneer in the field of radio-controlled airplanes and an active member of several organizations, including The Band Chatter, The Heart of Maryland “T’s” Model T Club, the Hilbus Chapter of the Organ Historical Society, and The Weinberg Center. He loved playing his many instruments, including the pipe organ he built using parts collected from around the world, clarinet, and ukulele, to name a few.

He will be greatly missed. For those who had the pleasure of meeting him know, he was truly one of a kind.

A celebration of Robert’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, Maryland.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Weinberg Center for the Arts.