Francis Finch

Francis Michael Finch, 88, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away in his home on October 26, 2007. He was born August 7, 1919 on a homestead in Stratton, Colorado to Roy and Mary (Carrigan) Finch. He was raised in Neosha and graduated from Granby High School. He married Darlene (Merrick) Finch on October 7, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri. Francis was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was loved by many.

Francis was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was very active in his faith. He was a Eucharistic Minister, was former president of parish council, a Sacred Heart Angel, president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Sacred Heart, and a member of the Oblates where he enjoyed the fellowship of many. He was a member of the American Legion and was involved in the St. John's Auxiliary. Francis was also known for his love of fishing, tinkering, and teasing his grandchildren.

Francis was a veteran of World War II where he served in Panama and Germany. He received two Bronze Stars, and after receiving an Honorable Discharge Francis returned to Springfield and was employed with City Utilities where he retired after 39 years.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Geneva Bradley and Agnes Evelene Finch. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jay Sebek, and her sons, Matthew and Joshua McClanahan; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ellen Finch, and their daughters, Katherine and Hannah all of Springfield; his sister, Ruth Patterson of Madison, Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

The funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas McGann, CMF celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. The visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday with prayer services starting at 6:30 p.m. all in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Building Fund, 1609 North Summit Ave. Springfield, MO 65803 or to St. John's Hospice 1378 East Republic Rd. Springfield, MO 65804. Share your condolences and memories at www.hhlohmeyer.com.