Sylvanus Finchum

Sylvanus C. "Banta" Finchum, 100 years, 6 months and 25 days old, of Monrovia, IN, died on September 7, 2008. He was born on February 13, 1908 in Crown Center, IN to the late Roy E. and Hattie Mecie (Lee) Finchum. He married the late Edna (Shields) Finchum on July 24, 1933. He was a 1926 graduate of Monrovia High School and received his Masters from Indiana State in 1961. He was a 75 year member and Past Master of Eminence Masonic Lodge #440, Grand Marshall for Monrovia Festival in 1989, enjoyed reading and telling stories; but, mostly loved being around his family. Before retiring in 1970, he was an Elementary Teacher for Stephen Decatur Elementary, Crown Center, Eminence, Monroe Gregg and Center Grover School Systems for 44 years. He taught two brothers, one sister and 5 of his children in school. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Mary Hadley, 2 brothers, Woodrow and Estel Finchum and sister, Doris Hood. He is survived by seven children, Betty Rogers of Monrovia, Larry Finchum of Fl, Patty Ashley, Nancy Keene, and Sherry Sichting of Monrovia, Katy Chapple of Avon, and Roy Finchum of Monrovia; 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; several step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2-8pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 with a 7:30pm Masonic Service and 9-10am, on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Jones Crossing Banquet Center,next door to Jones Family Mortuary. Funeral Services will be officiated by Jack Elliott at 10am, Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Jones Crossing Banquet Center. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, IN. Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.