Thomas Lee Finster

Thomas Lee Finster was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the age of 67.  He was born on November 24, 1954 to Ralph Lee Finster (deceased) and Betty Louise Finster in Peru, Indiana.

Tom grew up in Bunker Hill and graduated from Maconaquah High School in 1973, Purdue University in 1977, and Eastern Michigan University in 1982, specializing in Business Accounting and Agricultural & Biological Engineering.  He worked as an engineer at the Chrysler Corporation Proving Grounds in Michigan, and the General Motors Corporation in Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee for 31 years before he retired.

Tom was then available to pursue his interests in the National Parks.  He began serving as a Park Ranger in many of our most historic National Parks like Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina, Lake Mead National Park in Arizona, Fort Donelson in Tennessee, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and finally at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace in Kentucky.

Tom had many interests.  Among them was a love for our nation’s history.  He was a Civil War enthusiast, visiting nearly every Civil War Park.  He loved researching family histories and the cause and effect of the war itself.  He gave many educational talks especially involving Abraham Lincoln and the Wright Brothers at parks, schools and memorials.  He was proud to be able to recite the entire Gettysburg Address.

Tom had a lifelong passion for Purdue University Sport Teams.  He was a member of the John Purdue Club and loved following Boilermaker Athletics.  He often took his nephews for all-day outings for tours, games and a chance to buy souvenirs.

Tom was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bunker Hill.

Tom is survived by his mother, Betty Finster, one brother, Tim Finster (Terry) and two sisters, Carol Fenton (Kim) and Cheryl Wood (Harvey).  Six nephews and nieces, Jessie Fenton, Courtney McEuen (Todd), Kevin Finster, Rachel Wood, Melissa Haas (Zach) and Josiah Wood (Amanda).  He is also survived by three grand-nephews, Grayson McEuen, Christian Haas and Finn Wood and one grand-niece, Caroline McEuen.  He is also survived by two aunts, one uncle and several cousins.

Visitation will be at the Allen Funeral Home, 136 South Elm Street, Bunker Hill, Indiana on Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 5 to 7 pm and the service will be on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10am, with the graveside service to follow at the Rankin Cemetery in Bunker Hill, with Pastor Richard Olson officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research through the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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