Charles Francis Finnell, D.O FAOCR

Charles, 88 years old, was born in Chenoa, IL on March 15, 1931 and passed from this life on June 24, 2019.  He leaves his cherished wife of 65 years, Jo Ann (Wilder). They married in Chenoa, IL on August 22, 1953.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, John Leo and Irene Sophie (Swager) Finnell; brothers John "Jack" and Fr. Eugene Finnell; sisters Carol (Jim) Fender and Marilyn (Richard) Welle; son-in-law William Fred Downs lll.  He is survived by: brothers Dale (Mary), Allan (Sarah), Sister Gayle (Robert) Juarez, eight children: Daniel (Marian), David (Anita), Kathleen Kimble (Scott), Karen Downs (Fred-deceased), Richard (Edith), Jonathan, Michael (Melissa), and Shawn (Jeana); thirteen grandchildren:  Jillian, Joel, Matt, Marta, Carrie, Christy, Jacob, Mark, Adam, Daniel, Michael, Ashley, Jessica; twelve great grandchildren: Ty, Micah, Noah, Kennedy, Sydney, Morgan, Parker, Ayda, Jacob, Rachel, Gabriel, and Isabella.

Charles was born on the family farm in Chenoa, IL on March 15th, 1931 where he developed a strong work ethic that carried him through his education and professional career as a physician.  He graduated from Pontiac Township High School, attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College for Pre-Med and graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1955.  After he completed his internship, he practiced General Medicine in Seattle, Houghton Lake and Lapeer MI.  In 1969, he began a 3-year residency in Radiology at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint MI and became a board-certified Radiologist, specializing in Interventional Radiology.  He became a Fellow with the American Osteopathic College of Radiology and practiced Radiology in Philadelphia, Tucson, Flint and Tulsa. He retired at the age of 70.  During his 44-year career, he was a dedicated and respected general practitioner serving local communities, which eventually led to professional honors and accolades.  He developed new procedures in the Interventional arena and became a board examiner.  He restructured and improved Resident Training programs.  His highest honor was to deliver the Annual Trenery Lecture with his beloved father and wife and many colleagues present.

All his life Charles was an avid lover of sports and the outdoors. He loved playing basketball, football, track and field, and golf. He was elected to his high school sports Hall of Fame and made two Holes in One!  He could fish forever if you let him and has fished in many places. Any Lake, ocean, or river would do! He enjoyed hunting and shooting and had many trophies; even a brown bear on wheels kept in Lapeer County Bank and Trust for many years! He loved to travel and finally made it England, Scotland and his beloved Ireland.

Lastly, but always first was his faith. Charles lived his Catholic faith from baptism to death. He attended daily Mass frequently, read the Bible, and taught classes. His favorite ministry was Bernie's Bunch which would go to nursing homes and bring music and songs to the residents. He loved bringing a smile to all people. His love of the Lord sustained him through all his trials and tribulations.

Special thanks to Roserock Hospice and to Heritage Point Memory Care Center for your kind and gentle care of Charles through to the end of his life.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity in Charles name.