Funeral services were held on Jan. 20 for Lonnie Keith Divine, 71, of Exeter. He went to be with the Lord on Jan. 15.
He was born on Aug. 1, 1932 in Dadeville, Mo. He came to California in 1937. He attended Visalia Union High School and it was there that he met his wife of 52 years, Christine Aker. They were married May 12, 1951 and he left shortly after for boot camp in San Diego as part of the United States Marine Corps.
He was known both as Keith and Lonnie and at one time worked at the Exeter Mercantile, Nickels Payless in Farmersville and Gudeman Electronics in Visalia. For 18 years he served as a convalescent hospital administrator in Tulare, Delano and Visalia.
He left Visalia in 1984 and worked for three years in San Andreas. In 1987 they moved to Laughlin, Nev. where he worked at the Edgewater Hotel and Casino. In 1998 he retired and came to Exeter.
He was a past member of the Visalia Rotary Club and the Visalia Judo Club where he earned his second-degree black belt in Judo. He was a close follower of all sports, enjoyed prospecting, camping trips and road trips in his RV. He loved Country Western music and will be remembered for his Hawaiian shirts. Lord, in our time of great loss, we thank thee for thy great gift of Peace!
Survivors include his wife Chris; daughter Christie and husband, Steve Caldwell of Exeter; son, Stan Divine and long-time love, Teresa of Exeter; daughter, Janice and husband, George Weaver of Anchorage, Alaska; son, Rufus and wife, Cindy Divine of Kansas; seven grandsons, Michael Berry of Exeter, Brian and wife, Nicole Berry of Exeter, Joshua and wife, Megan Caldwell of Exeter, Thomas and wife Cristina Caldwell of Exeter, Matthew Caldwell of New York, George and wife, Candice Weaver of Visalia and Brett Weaver of Anchorage; seven great-grandchildren, Randi, Taylor, Katelyn and Mason Berry, Tyler and Hannah Weaver and Monica Caldwell.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Optimal Hospice Care, 430 W. Caldwell, Visalia, CA 93277.
On-line condolences may be made to www.smithfamilychapel.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.
