Donald A. Finnicum

Donald A. Finnicum, 83, of New Philadelphia, O., formerly of Gnadenhutten, O., passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Schoenbrunn Healthcare in New Philadelphia, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born April 6, 1927 in Dennison, O, he was a son of the late George Arthur and Helen Lucille (Logan) Finnicum.

Don was a graduate of Dennison High School in the class of 1945 who also attended Kent State University, playing football for both schools. He was a lifelong resident of the area with the exception of the years when he served his country in the U.S. Army at the close of World War II, having been drafted into the Army before his graduation, and continuing his service in the National Guard of Ohio and the Army Reserves until the mid 50’s. He was a longtime member of Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church.

On September 9, 1948, Don married the former Donna L. Klaserner who survives him. Together they raised four sons, Don Finnicum and his wife, Ardith, of Navarre, Bruce Finnicum of Sherrodsville, Jon Finnicum and his wife, Julie, of New Philadelphia, and Bill Finnicum of Akron. The family is completed by eight grandchildren, Bryan, Mark, Sean, Derek, Courtney, Stephan and Kristen Finnicum, and Danielle Wozniak; six great grandchildren, Connor, Riley, Regan, Mason, and Micah Finnicum, and Aleah Wozniak; and six step grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Finnicum.

Don worked for Nickle’s Bakery for forty years, having previously been employed by Quimby’s Bakery. He was an avid sportsman who loved deer hunting and watching his favorite football teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. He was a member of the American Legion, was a past president of the Gnadenhutten Booster Club, and was a member of the Ohio Highway Patrol Auxiliary. His greatest joy, though, came from the time that he spent with his family, especially enjoying following his children and grandchildren through their athletic endeavors.

Services for Don, officiated by Rev. Gregg Kelly, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home at Dennison. Interment will follow in Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery in Gnadenhutten.

Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Those wishing to honor Don’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Hospice of Tuscarawas County and Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church.

R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com