John Ernest Finch
January 11, 1937 — December 15, 2023
John E. Finch, 86 of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2023 in his home with family by his side. John was born January 11, 1937, in Dillon, South Carolina to the late Linwood E. Finch and Juanita Sewell Finch.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Linda Finch; brother, Linwood Finch of Raleigh, North Carolina; children, Bruce Finch of Hilliard, Ohio and Dawn and her husband Joe Smallcomb of Lake Worth, Florida; grandchildren, Jake and his wife Amanda of Lake Worth, Florida, Rain of Worcester, Massachusetts and Zoe of Lake Worth, Florida; great grandson, Luke of Lake Worth and many friends.
John was known as a good and loving man. He was gentle, kind, thoughtful and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. John met the love of his life, Linda, while attending Tri State College in Angola, Indiana. During their courtship, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Friedberg, Germany for the majority of his 2 years of service. John and Linda married in 1963 in her hometown of Bronson, MI then settled in Churubusco, IN. He continued his studies, worked for Central Soya and their 2 children, Bruce and Dawn, were born. John had a loving relationship with his parents and in-laws, and so his family traveled frequently to visit them, logging many hours on the road together.
After earning his Civil Engineering degree from Tri State College, John got a position with Columbia Gas of Ohio. He worked for this utility for 26 years and retired as Plant Supervisor. In each town where he worked, John was an active member at church, often serving on the board, most recently as a deacon at Lakeview Church in Delray Beach, FL. In Cambridge, OH, he and his wife became avid bridge players and developed bridge groups in each town where they lived. They enjoyed playing other table games with friends as well. Game nights with family were so enjoyable that he was given a hat with stitching that reads, “Papa wins”.
John was active in the Columbia Gas Campers Club (family camping) and the Chillicothe Lions Club (Past President ‘81-82). After retirement, he and Linda enjoyed participation at events with the AACA and VCCA. John enjoyed tinkering with engines and had a passion for vintage cars. He was an antique car enthusiast and frequently traveled to regional and national meets with Linda and sometimes Bruce where they often won awards and he and his son also participated as judges. His son-in-law and grandchildren will fondly remember working in the garage alongside their Papa. His legacy will live on as his son and daughter each have a car that he restored.
John was a beacon of love, generosity, and integrity. He will be dearly missed by all on whom he shined his light.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Lakeview Baptist Church, Delray Beach followed by the Committal Service at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida (Lane 3).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 2599 North Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, Florida 33444 in John’s memory.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Linda Finch; brother, Linwood Finch of Raleigh, North Carolina; children, Bruce Finch of Hilliard, Ohio and Dawn and her husband Joe Smallcomb of Lake Worth, Florida; grandchildren, Jake and his wife Amanda of Lake Worth, Florida, Rain of Worcester, Massachusetts and Zoe of Lake Worth, Florida; great grandson, Luke of Lake Worth and many friends.
John was known as a good and loving man. He was gentle, kind, thoughtful and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. John met the love of his life, Linda, while attending Tri State College in Angola, Indiana. During their courtship, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Friedberg, Germany for the majority of his 2 years of service. John and Linda married in 1963 in her hometown of Bronson, MI then settled in Churubusco, IN. He continued his studies, worked for Central Soya and their 2 children, Bruce and Dawn, were born. John had a loving relationship with his parents and in-laws, and so his family traveled frequently to visit them, logging many hours on the road together.
After earning his Civil Engineering degree from Tri State College, John got a position with Columbia Gas of Ohio. He worked for this utility for 26 years and retired as Plant Supervisor. In each town where he worked, John was an active member at church, often serving on the board, most recently as a deacon at Lakeview Church in Delray Beach, FL. In Cambridge, OH, he and his wife became avid bridge players and developed bridge groups in each town where they lived. They enjoyed playing other table games with friends as well. Game nights with family were so enjoyable that he was given a hat with stitching that reads, “Papa wins”.
John was active in the Columbia Gas Campers Club (family camping) and the Chillicothe Lions Club (Past President ‘81-82). After retirement, he and Linda enjoyed participation at events with the AACA and VCCA. John enjoyed tinkering with engines and had a passion for vintage cars. He was an antique car enthusiast and frequently traveled to regional and national meets with Linda and sometimes Bruce where they often won awards and he and his son also participated as judges. His son-in-law and grandchildren will fondly remember working in the garage alongside their Papa. His legacy will live on as his son and daughter each have a car that he restored.
John was a beacon of love, generosity, and integrity. He will be dearly missed by all on whom he shined his light.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Lakeview Baptist Church, Delray Beach followed by the Committal Service at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida (Lane 3).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 2599 North Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, Florida 33444 in John’s memory.
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