Obituary of Charles Eugene Finley
Charles Eugene “Gene” Finley was born on November 3, 1935 in Monroe, Michigan to James and Josie (Bolinger) Finley.
After graduating from Monroe High School, Gene, enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean War Era attaining the rank of Sergeant. While proudly serving in the Marines he graduated from Atomic Biological and Chemical Defense School. He served with the Combat Engineers. He also played on the West Coast Championship football team for Camp Pendleton California. He was discharged June 28, 1957.
Gene married Joan Ansel on September 17, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. He was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier from 1957 until his retirement on October 3, 1992. Gene was active in Boy Scouts serving as Assistant Troop Leader and organizing a drill team of Boy Scouts to march in parades. He served in Cub Scouts as Assistant Cub Master and Weblo Leader. For many years he was a volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. He was also a member of The Marine Corps League Monroe Chapter.
Gene was a member of the Barbershop Quarter Society where he participated with the Monroe Chapter Chorus. He sang with the “Twi-Lighers”, “Country Estates”, Two-plus-Two”, “Station Break”, and “Deck O'Chords” Barbershop Quartets. In 1971, while singing with the “Twi-Lighters”, the quartet won the Pioneer District Novice Championship. He served as show co-chairman and produced many shows at St. Mary's Academy Auditorium.
Gene enjoyed spending time with his children and their families. He cherished time with his grandchildren, spending many hours entertaining them and attending extra-curricular and sporting events. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where he volunteered and served on several boards. Most recently he attended The Monroe First Church of the Nazarene.
Charles Eugene "Gene" Finley, age 85, of Monroe passed away on Sunday; March 14, 2021 at the Hospice of Lenawee Inpatient Facility in Adrian.
Gene is survived by his wife: Joan Finley; five children: Debra (Paul) Manor of Lambertville, Karen (Dan) Kincade of Encinitas, California, Brian (Jeannie) Finley of Monroe, Jeffrey (Mary) Finley of Monroe, and Michael (Ada) Finley of Monroe; eleven grandchildren: Matthew Manor, Andrew Manor, Brian Finley, Jill Finley, Jason Manor, Brendan Finley, Kellie Finley, Nicholas Finley, Noah Finley, Grace Finley, and Hannah Finley; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister Donna Crook of Monroe. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Roy Finley, Carl Finley, Edward Finley, and Jay Finley; two sisters: Hannah O'Neil and Shirley Simpson; and one grandchild Jesse Kincade.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Worship Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, March 18, 2021 also at Merkle’s with Chaplain Jamie Clevenger officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Wounded Warriors, Disabled American Veterans, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.