Russell E. (Jr.) Finney

Russell E. Finney, Jr., 85, of Greenfield, IL passed away peacefully March 10, 2018 at Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Jacksonville, IL. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years Mary (Meyer) Finney. He was the loving father of Russ (Kathie) Finney and Elaine Vogel (Tim Wyatt); caring brother of Betty (George) Peecher, Mary Jane (Jerry) Ross, and Daisy Tipler; beloved grandfather of Kristen (Chris) Lazuta, Barth Vogel, Kelly Vogel, Evan Wyatt; dearest great grandfather of Avery Lazuta, Addy Finney, Caroline Lazuta, Emmy Finney; also survived by many family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Tom Tipler and grandson Scott Finney (surviving wife Jennifer Finney).

Russ was born in Springfield, IL on March 25, 1932 to Russell Sr. and Mary (Huckeby) Finney. He grew up on a farm near Greenfield, IL and graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Education focused on Agriculture. Following graduation Russ proudly served for several years as a Communications Officer in the US Marines in California. He then became an animal and grain farmer in Greenfield, IL and completed his farming career as owner of the Blue Diamond Ostrich Farm. He also owned the Greenfield Western Auto store for many years. And as the owner of that business one activity he was especially proud of was mentoring and teaching young men about mechanical repair work. Russ volunteered with many organizations to include the Greene County Rural Water District Board, Greenfield School Board, Greenfield Cooperative Board, Trustee of Rubicon Township, Lions Club, and American Legion. He was especially proud to have become a 32nd Degree Mason. Russ was an active and dedicated lifetime member of the Greenfield United Methodist Church serving on several committees and participating in several mission trips. His favorite pass times included spending time with family, hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, solving a Sudoku puzzle, or sitting on the deck visiting with neighbors as he and Mary wintered in Texas. And everyone that knew Russ would say his most endearing trait was that he always went out of his way to get to know everyone even strangers.

Visitation will be at Shields-Bishop Funeral Home Friday, March 16, 2018 from 4 PM to 7 PM with Masonic Rites to follow and Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Greenfield United Methodist Church from 9-11 AM. Funeral services will be at 11 AM on Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at the Greenfield United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery with full military rites provided by the Tri-County Honor Guard. Online condolences can be left at shields-bishopfh.com. Memorials may be made to the Greenfield United Methodist Church.

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