Russell Eugene Finley
August 11, 1904-Aug. 15, 1931
Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 17, 1931, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
RUSSELL FINLEY DIES ON VACATION VISIT
Former High school Track Star and cheer Leader is Stricken
Russell Eugene Finley, 37, died at Pawating hospital Saturday evening at 11 p.m. where he had been taken on Tuesday morning from the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, 509 North Seventh Street after his condition became alarming.
He had been in Ill health since September, at which time his Chicago physician pronounced him diabetic. Although in ill health he has been continuously employed since that time except for a few days spent in the hospital in Chicago while under observation, and a week spent in Niles last February. He came home Saturday, August 8th, to spend a two weeks' vacation as was his usual custom. On Sunday he attended the Shepard reunion near Kalamazoo and seemed apparently well. It was not until Tuesday that his condition became alarming.
Russell was born in Niles on August 11th, 1904. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Finley. His mother, formerly Miss Edith Liggins, died when Russell was but 15 months old and he was raised by his grandparents.
Russell, known to his school chums . .[illegible] .. While in school, was a member of the track team, the football squad, and the high school orchestra. He was also yell leader of the school during '21, '22 and '23. After finishing school here "Russ" went to Chicago where he further developed his musical talents and since has made his home in Chicago.
He is survived by his grandparents, Mr.and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, his father, Garfield Finley of Ladysmith, Wis., and the following uncles and aunts, Clarence and Schuyler Finley of this city, Herbert Finley of Tecumseh, Mich.,and Mrs. Bell Hills of Kalamazoo and a number of cousins.
The funeral services will be held at Troost & Augustine funeral parlors Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be made at Silverbrook cemetery. The body may be viewed at the undertaking parlor.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, August 18, 1931, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Funeral services for Russell Finley, Niles high school graduate and athletic star, who died on Saturday evening in Niles while on a vacation visit with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, were held this afternoon. The Rev. Allen, of Dowagiac, conducted the services. Burial was made in Silver Brook Cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 20, 1931, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
HERE FOR FUNERAL SERVICES
Among the relatives and friends from out of the city who on Tuesday afternoon attended the funeral services for Russell Finley were Miss Ocena Marshall, Luther Gildon, Mary Stoner, Mrs. Mangree, and Mr. and Mrs. John Harrison and Stella Mangree of Chicago, Ethel Mitchell, Pearl Mitchell, Crol Mitchell and Mrs. King of Kalamazoo, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Othal Sheperd of South Haven and Mrs. Ella Woods of Benton Harbor.