Victor Lee Finch

       Victor Lee Finch, age 89, of Crystal, MI, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Zephyrhills, FL.

       He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1953.  He went on to study agriculture at Michigan State University, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.  Victor began his career selling farm seed.   Next, he taught agriculture and FFA at Breckenridge and St. Louis High Schools.   The majority of his career, Victor, was the Owner/Operator of Mid-Michigan Contracting Asphalt Company.   Later, he made his dream come true by becoming a farmer and raised pigs for five years.  After ten years as a prison guard/agriculture teacher for the Michigan Department of Corrections (St. Louis State Prison), Victor retired in 1996.

      He enjoyed gardening, boating on Crystal Lake, building his own RV-9 airplane, building the Finch family house, playing shuffleboard and helping his friends at Sleepy Hollow Mobile Estates in Zephyrhills, Florida.  Victor was honored with the role of Grand Master from the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Lodge (IOOF).

      Victor met Marilyn Joy Shafer in 1953.   They were married on March 15, 1957, in Lansing, MI.  Together they raised five children: Deborah Ann Marshall, Mark Alan Finch, Jeffrey Lee Finch, Shirlee Louise Finch, and David Edward Finch.

      He is survived by his children: Jeff (Susan) Finch, Shirlee Finch (Tracy), and David (Barbie) Finch; four granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and one great-granddaughter.  Victor was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn, his daughter Debbie, son Mark, one brother Tony Finch, and his sister Mary Erskine.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Crystal Congregational Church, 300 Main Street, Crystal, MI, 48818, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. with Pastor Reid Martin officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.  A luncheon will follow at the church.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tall Oaks Odd Fellow & Rebekah Youth Camp, 7153 South Rebecca Road Baldwin, MI 49304.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.