Christopher Neil Divine

Christopher Neil Divine, 54, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. He was a son, brother, uncle, and friend whose quick wit, sharp mind, and infectious laughter left their mark on everyone who knew him. He was born on March 4, 1971, in Vincennes, IN, and grew up in Palestine. From the start, Chris had a spark that couldn’t be missed. On the ballfield, he was "So Fine Divine," quick as a flash and fearless whether pitching, covering second base, or taking off down the football field as a running back. His athletic gifts made him stand out, but what people remembered even more was his sense of fun; the same sense of fun that carried him well beyond his school years after graduating from Palestine High School in 1989.

That spark showed itself in many ways. For a season, he worked as a correctional officer at the Pontiac Correctional Center. Later, he carved his own path, mostly self-employed, happiest with his hands on a small engine. His shop became a second home, a place where friends gathered to build and tinker. It wasn’t just work. It was camaraderie. And it was no surprise that Chris was always the leader of the group. His brother John nicknamed him "Spanky" because just like the ringleader in Our Gang, Chris had a way of pulling everyone in and setting the tone. He lived as the chief, not the indian, and everyone knew it.

Chris was also a master storyteller, and if you were lucky, you got to hear some of his best. Tales of the scrapes and misadventures he and John got into—such as the infamous deer incident involving a pipe wrench—could reduce him to tears of laughter before he ever finished the story. And when he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh with him. His humor was magnetic, his laugh contagious, and his presence unforgettable.

But for all his fun-loving, seat-of-the-pants living, Chris was deeply devoted where it mattered most. He adored his mother, Lois, and made her coffee every morning, watered her plants, and kept her yard immaculate. He loved his little dog Lily, the source of countless smiles and steady companionship through the ups and downs of life. He cared about the little things: saying grace at the table, staying clean (sometimes taking more showers in a day than most people would in a week), and keeping close to those he loved.

Chris had a way of moving through life that was different from most. He wasn’t a highway kind of guy. He preferred the back country roads, the trails, the long way around. He chose the road less traveled, and that made all the difference in the story he lived and the memories he leaves behind.

He is survived by his mother, Lois (Churchwell) Zinke; by his siblings & their spouses, Cindy Gilliatt, John & Penny Divine, and Susan & Ron Hawkins; by his nephews, Shane Divine, Dustin Divine, Jared Fuller, Jacob Fuller, Ryan Hawkins, Jack Hawkins, Andrew Brock, and Richard Gilliatt; and by his nieces, Chanda Divine and Cyndi Brock. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Leroy Divine; by his sister, Jackie Griffith; and by his brother, Paul Douglas Divine.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26th, at the Price Cemetery in Russellville, IL, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share stories and memories of Chris’s life. To help his family with upcoming expenses for his aging dog, Lily, memorials may be made to his family, with checks payable to "Lois Zinke." Envelopes will be available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.