" For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." II Corinthians 5:1

Ivan Maurice Civils was born on Sunday, May 8, 1949 to the proud parents of Douglas and Alma Civils. Ivan was a lifelong resident of Lansing, Michigan graduating from J. W. Sexton in June of 1967.

At a very early age, Ivan confessed his belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and united with Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Joel L. King. He knew that whosoever believe in the Lord and Savior will have everlasting life. Ivan attended Sunday School, sang hymns in the Young Adult Choir, and served as a doorkeeper for the Lord as an usher.

Ivan Civils was a dedicated employee of the State of Michigan. He wore several hats during his tenure finally retiring from the Legislative Service Bureau in 2013 after 19 tireless years of service. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving . Colossians 3:23,24

If you had the privilege of knowing Ivan, you would recognize that he had a dry and awesome sense of humor. His laughter was contagious. As a homebody he enjoyed old TV shows, especially westerns and listening to the cool sound of jazz. When Ivan would leave the house, you could find him on the riverbanks fishing. He enjoyed life and his family and friends. He gave of himself not for recognition, but for the love in his heart.

On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Mr. Ivan Maurice Civils departed this earth to rejoice in the presence of God. He was reunited with: his parents, Douglas and Alma Civils; brothers, Glenn and Duane Civils; sisters, Rise' and Anita Civils; and the love of his life, Francine Lewis Civils.

Many precious memories will be cherished by: daughter, Iva Civils, Atlanta, GA; step-children, Shon Lewis and Trina (Dennis) Dorsey; grandchildren, Nadia (Prentice) Cameron, Jenea Jones, Aurielle Dorsey, Nastacia Lewis, Alyssia (Ian) Graham; great-grandchildren, Sabali Cameron, Sereniti (Sauri) Cameron, Clara and Lucy Graham; sisters, Portia Civils and Marcia Civils of Lansing, Michigan; aunt and uncle, Lottie and Edgar Moore; nephews, Monte Civils, Johnathan Guy, Andre Beacham, Tyrell Potts, Omar Bethea and Brent Jones; sister-in-law, Sharon Civils of Lansing, Michigan; and host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Come to me , all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11: 28-30

You may watch the livestream of Mr. Civils funeral service by clicking this link: