Vivian Coleen Degan
Born on December 4, 1929 in Frederick, OklahomaPassed Away October 25, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Vivian Coleen Degan, age 96, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026. She was born on December 4, 1929, in Frederick, Oklahoma, to Clinton Givens and Sula (Hall) Givens. In her later years, Vivian made her home in Melbourne, Florida, with her daughter, Rebecca McKinzie.
Following her graduation from high school in 1947, Vivian moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, to attend Draughon’s Business College, where she studied shorthand, bookkeeping, and business law. After completing her studies, she returned to her hometown of Frederick, Oklahoma, where she worked in a law office.
In 1948, Vivian married Bobby Joe Degan. The couple later moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, where they owned and operated Degan’s Men’s Fashions. Vivian subsequently worked in the Human Resources Department at Duncan Regional Hospital.
Vivian was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, and her Christian faith was an important part of her life. She had a heart for others and found joy in reaching out to family and friends, often picking up the telephone just to offer a kind word, share a laugh, or provide a little encouragement.
Vivian never met a stranger and had a special gift for lighting up any room she entered. Her warm personality, quick wit, and playful sense of humor made her unforgettable. She loved a good practical joke and delighted in bringing laughter and smiles to those around her. Whether sharing a funny story, teasing someone she loved, or simply enjoying a conversation, Vivian had a way of making people feel welcome and special.
She also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including working word search puzzles and watching her favorite television shows, America’s Funniest Home Videos and Dancing with the Stars.
Surviving Family
Vivian is survived by her two beloved children, Joe Craig Degan (Pam) of Haslet, Texas, and Rebecca Degan McKinzie (Edward) of Melbourne, Florida.
She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Sabrina McKinzie Long (Rob) of Melbourne, Florida; Scott Stanley; Connor McKinzie (Dania) of Rockledge, Florida; Shawn Degan (Laura) of McKinney, Texas; Vanessa Villines of Sherman, Texas; Terry Wylder of Hinton, Oklahoma; and Valerie Lewis of Texarkana, Arkansas, and her fiancé, Jasone Macool.
Her great-grandchildren include Adrianna McKinzie Long and Jacob Long of Melbourne, Florida; Eddie and Leo of McKinney, Texas; Hagan Villines of Sherman, Texas; Kadie Gent (Seth) of Duncan, Oklahoma; Kylan Blackburn of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Justin Wylder of Hinton, Oklahoma; and Kolby Lewis and Macie Lewis of Sherman, Texas.
Vivian was also blessed with six great-great-grandchildren: Rylee Gent, Parker Gent, and Mason Gent, children of Kadie and Seth Gent; Cambrie Blackburn and Copelee Blackburn, children of Kylan Blackburn; and Kora Lewis, daughter of Macie Lewis. These youngest members of her family represent the fifth generation of Vivian’s loving legacy.
Her family legacy continues to grow, with her grandson Connor McKinzie and his wife, Dania, joyfully expecting their first child, a daughter, in April 2027.
Vivian is also survived by her sister, Maxine Hensley.
Preceded in Death
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton Givens and Sula (Hall) Givens, and her brothers, Glenn Givens (Jean) and Doyle Givens (Leona).
Final Resting Place
In accordance with her wishes, Vivian will be cremated, and her ashes will be returned to her beloved hometown of Frederick, Oklahoma, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents, Clinton and Sula Givens. A private family graveside service will be held to honor her life and memory.
A Loving Legacy
Vivian leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, laughter, love, and encouragement. Her joyful spirit, welcoming smile, and gift for making others feel special will be remembered by all who knew her.
She touched countless lives through her kindness, her humor, and her genuine interest in others. Whether offering encouragement over the telephone, sharing a laugh, or welcoming someone with her unforgettable smile, Vivian made the world a little brighter.
Though her voice may be silent, the love she shared, the laughter she inspired, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
