Clarence “June” Finley
July 8, 1915-April 27, 2001
Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 27, 2001, page 2, col. 1-2, microfilm Niles District Library
Clarence “June” Finley, a longtime resident of Niles, Michigan, passed peacefully at home among family on Easter Sunday, April 15.
Clarence was born at home on July 8, 1915, in Howard Township, Cass County, Michigan. His great grandfather, Pasqual LaRue Finley, was one of Niles' earliest settlers arriving during the 1840s.
Clarence attended a one-room schoolhouse nearby and graduated from Niles High School in 1934.
During his youth, Clarence earned the Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Clarence was the 11th man in Niles to be drafted during World War II.
He was eventually promoted to 1st Lieutenant with the 94th Corps of Engineers.
After the war he worked for Clark Equipment Co., Studebaker Corp. and later retired after 19 years of service with the Michigan Department of Highway and Transportation in 1977. Mr. Finley was one of the first equal opportunity compliance officers within the Highway Department.
Mr. Finley was also active in the Democratic Party and served as Chairman of its local chapter in the 1950s.
He was a volunteer for former Michigan Governor G. Mennen Williams, U.S. Senator Phil Hart and numerous other state and local officials.
His other affiliations include: John W. Mason Lodge #42, with which he was a Master of the 33rd Degree; Berrien Kruzers and Good Sams Camping Clubs; and a lifelong member of Franklin AME Church.
Clarence, or June as he was known by his many friends and family, enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including hunting, fishing, creating handcrafted jewelry and camping.
His survivors include daughters Nancy (James) Waters, Muskegon; Sylvia Perkins, Haslett; sister Esther Woodford, Lansing; sister Norma (Parker) Taylor, Niles; brother Seth (Bennie Ruth) Finley, Seattle, WA; grandchildren Mark Waters, Stacie and Jchon Perkins; family of Vivian Egbert: Charles, Tyra, Edith, their children and grandchildren.
A memorial will [be] held Saturday, May 5th at 1 p.m. at the Franklin AME Church at 809 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan.
Visitation will begin at noon.