John Marlyn Finley

John Marlyn Finley, age 76, of Fowler and formerly of Charleston, IL went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Franciscan Health in Crawfordsville.

Marlyn was born in Sparta, IL on January 20, 1941 to the late John Steele & Aleta Frances (Ulrich) Finley. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1959 and Eastern Illinois University in 1966 with a bachelors’ degree. On March 6, 1966 he married the love of his life, Bonnie Sue (Bennett) Finley in Charleston, IL.

Marlyn proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. He farmed for several years and raised cattle, was an accountant, business office manager, Director of Business Services and Treasurer of Eastern Illinois University and was Acting Vice President of Business Affairs at the university. He was a member and lifetime Elder of East Harrison Street Church of God in Charleston, IL and attended the Fowler Christian Church. He was a longtime member of the Adult Fitness Program at the university and a member of the board of directors at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay, OH. Marlyn loved gardening, photography, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Fowler; two sons, John Lance (Brenda) Finley of Findlay OH and Nick (Sara) Finley of Fowler; one brother, Mark Finley of Colorado Springs, CO; one sister Lynda Irby of McKinney, TX; six grandchildren, Bailey, Blake, Carter, Ava, Molly, and Connor; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; his sister, Myrna Strack; and a brother-in-law, Richard Irby.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Fowler Christian Church, 106 N Madison Street, in Fowler. The funeral will be Monday, January 22, 2018 at 11:00am at the church with Pastor Kirk Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Charleston IL. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given in Marlyn’s name to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at lbda.org. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com. Sanders Funeral Care of Kingman entrusted with care.