George

Divine

George Earl Divine was born on February 22 ^nd , 1932, in Buffalo, Missouri. Born to Lawrence and Maude Divine, George was the youngest of 5 siblings. Grace Cummings, Hazel Medlin, Gene Divine, and Wana Carman, all of whom preceded George in passing.

George's Mother passed away when he was only 13 years old, and as 20 years separated George and his oldest sister Grace, he was the only child left at home to help. Because of this need, George did not attend high school, opting to instead help his father earn a living.

George eventually met Billie Ruth Teel of southwest Missouri , and the two were married on December 5, 1954. After working several jobs including Sears and Roebuck and Shady Acres Campground, George entered the US Navy and served on the US Ticonderoga during the Korean War. Following discharge from the Navy, George entered College at the University of Missouri where he earned both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Biology, focusing on warm water fisheries. Following graduation, George joined the United States Fish and Wildlife Service where he spent his entire adult life and career. George was stationed at a number of different locations across the country, finally landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late 1976.  It was there George finished his career and resided until his passing.

George and Billie Ruth were the proud parents of two sons, welcoming Kevin Keith Divine in 1961, and Darren Del Divine in 1968. Kevin married Robin Renee Mosman in 1990, and Darren married Theresa Ann Ryder in 1995. Although the boys and their wives were much loved and cherished, the apple of George's eye was his three grandchildren Kaitlynn Marie, Morgan Elizabeth, and Riann Nicole. Billie Ruth and George doted on Kaitlynn and Morgan until Billie Ruth's passing in 2003, and in 2004 their sister Riann was added to the family, and quickly became her grandpa's buddy.

George left this earth on Saturday, January 14, 2023, while residing at the Beehive Memory Care Facility in Albuquerque, one month shy of his 91 ^st birthday. George's life was defined by faith and family, and his memory and his impact will long live on in his immediate and extended family.

The celebration of George Divine's life will be held at Banner Nazarene Church in Anderson, MO on Saturday, January 28, 2023, with a viewing at 11:00 a.m. and service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Banner Cemetery.  in In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the hospice agency of your choice.