Richard Divine

Richard Haldon Divine, Jr., aged 73, of Lansing, formerly of Laingsburg passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Divine Assisted Living in DeWitt. A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 12:00 PM at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 203 E. First North St., Laingsburg, MI 48848. Pastor Kendi Holcomb-Densmore will officiate. The family will accept friends beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of service.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 18, 1951, to Richard and Joyce (Davis) Divine, Sr.
Richard's early years were marked by academic achievement and a passion for sports. A proud 1969 graduate of Laingsburg High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Michigan State University in 1975. His adventurous spirit led him to complete his student teaching in England, after which he explored Europe by hitchhiking. Upon returning home, Richard pursued a master's degree in Intramural Administration at MSU. However, his love for the outdoors guided him to a fulfilling career as a carpenter, where he was part owner of two construction companies.
Richard's life was a tapestry of diverse interests and accomplishments. An avid athlete, he excelled in various sports, including softball, where he proudly contributed to winning three National Championships in the Men's Senior League. His love for competition also extended to basketball, football, track, golf, orienteering, running, scuba diving, rock climbing, floor hockey, fishing, and hunting. Richard's zest for life shone through his passion for dance and theater, where he performed in numerous productions, including "The Nutcracker" at the Wharton Center of Performing Arts.
Beyond his personal pursuits, Richard was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of athletes. He coached girls' basketball at Resurrection School in Lansing, refereed high school basketball games, and coached at the MSU Girls' basketball summer camps. His love for the arts was not confined to the stage; he once enrolled in a dance class simply because he lacked a basketball team to play on that winter.
Richard's travel adventures were as diverse as his interests. He was a well-traveled soul, from experiencing the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics to diving in the waters of the Caribbean, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. His love for remote camping and the great outdoors was a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Richard is survived by a loving family who will cherish his memory: his mother, Joyce Divine of Lansing; daughter, Amara Crosby of Lansing; sisters, Jane (Mike) Pickett of Anthony, FL, and Jean Ann Fox of East Lansing; brother, Marty (Deb) Divine of Laingsburg; his adored nieces and nephews, Jaime (Lance) Milam, Mike (Christine) Pickett, Jr., Heather Ladd, Michelle Fox, Kelly (Ben) VanAken, and Sean Divine; as well as seven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Divine, Sr., and his grandparents, Hal and Dorothy Divine, and Fred and Vivian Davis.
Richard Haldon Divine, Jr.'s life was one lived to the fullest, with every chapter filled with passion and purpose. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the structures he built, and the memories he created. His departure from this world leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire those he left behind.
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or to Shiawassee County Humane Society at shspets.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.