Myron “Mike” B. Finch Jr. passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 95. He was the only son of Myron B. Finch Sr. and Vernadean E. Sheesley.

In 1950, Mike joined the U.S. Navy. He served aboard both the USS Wasp and USS Midway. He was a proud Navy veteran.

Mike married Doris L. Matthews, and they had four children: Jackie, Gary, Sherri, and Loren. Chuck Novakowski joined the Finch family at an early age and never left.

During his life, Mike held a variety of jobs. He owned and operated a successful waste disposal business in the Elmira area. He also worked in other roles that drew on his mechanical skills.

Later in life, he met and married Mary Louise (née Wilson) Deming. Together, they enjoyed motorcycle rides with the Gold Wing Road Riders and seeking out the best chicken barbecues.

Perhaps Mike’s proudest accomplishment was his cross ministry. He erected large, illuminated crosses on his property on Hendy Hollow Road. Later, he focused his skills on small crosses made from horseshoe nails, which he sold to benefit the Pine Valley Church. He made and sold over 10,500 crosses.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Deming; his children, Jackie Early, Gary Finch, Sherri Merritt, and Loren (Ann) Finch; Chuck (Deb) Novakowski; his stepchildren, Debbra Deming, Valerie (Todd) Jones, and Robert M. (Bernadette) Deming; his sister, Joyce (Roger) McKamey; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to John and Steph Eichenlaub and their family, and to Lori and Howie Sternfuls and their family, for their years of friendship and help. Mary Lou and Mike could not have had better neighbors.

He was predeceased by his sisters Shirley, Dot, and Ellie.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Mike on Thursday, November 12th at 1 p.m. in Woodlawn National Cemetery with full military honors.