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Donald Eugene Finley, 83, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019, in his home surrounded by his family.
Don was born, at home, in Malta, on Nov. 21, 1935, to the late Donald Timms and Mary Elinor Price Finley. He is survived by the love of his life, for almost 55 years, the former Dixie L. Gardner. They were married June 13, 1964, at the First Christian Church in Bellefontaine by the Rev. Keith McNeill.
Don was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and James Callihan; and two brothers, Dr. James R. Finley and John P. Finley.
In addition to his wife, Dixie, Don is survived by his two children, Angela (Keith) Pemberton and Eric Finley, both of Bellefontaine; two granddaughters, Kendall Leigh Pemberton of Centerville, Va., and Hannah Marie Pemberton of Columbus; a brother, Paul (Michelle) Finley of Lancaster; three sisters-in-law, Dawn Finley Scott of Duncan Falls, Joann Finley of Dayton, and Elaine Finley of Westerville; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Growing up on a farm in Southeastern Ohio, his family and friends affectionately called him “Donald Gene.” His family raised Polled Herefords and Don participated in 4-H for several years. He was most proud when his steer won Reserve Champion at the Ohio State Fair. A picture of Don with his steer appeared in the National 4-H calendar.
Don graduated from Malta/McConnelsville “M & M” High School in 1953, where he played football and baseball. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Athletic Honor Society. Don was too young for the Korean War and too old for the Vietnam War, but was drafted in 1954.
When he was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1956, he moved to Logan County where he met his wife, Dixie, on a blind date. Don worked for Northwood Stone and Asphalt Company, later becoming the Shelley Company, for 30 years. He also served in the Ohio National Guard.
In later years, Don and Dixie traveled with his brother Jim and his wife Dawn, mostly in the U.S. but also visited Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, the Bahamas, Prince Edward Island, and took several cruises to the Caribbean Islands, South America and a fall foliage tour off the coast of New England. Both couples also took grandchildren on several Intergenerational Elder Hostels for grandparents and grandchildren, making wonderful memories.
Don was a long time member of the First Christian Church in Bellefontaine, where he served as a Stephen Minister and was on the board for over 40 years as Chair and Co-Chair of the Deacons. In later years, Don became a devoted member of the Quest Community Church and served on the Building Committee of their new addition.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019, at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.
Pastor Bill Walker officiates a funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, at Quest Community Church, 110 South St., West Liberty, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery in Jefferson Township, Ohio, with military rites performed by the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the First Christian Church, 215 E. Sandusky Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311; Quest Community Church, 110 South St., West Liberty, Ohio 43357; or to Deerfield Presbyterian Church, 4066 Township Road 187, Malta, Ohio 43758 to assist with cemetery upkeep.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bellefontaine and online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.edsfh.com.