Eugene Finke

Eugene W. Finke passed away on January 28, 2026. He was born in Dayton, OH on April 23, 1941 to Earl C. and Irene Schmidt Finke. He graduated from Oakwood High School, then earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Ohio University.

Gene always had a job. As a 10-year old he delivered newspapers, cut neighbors' lawns, and sold tomatoes door-to-door, and at 14 he was proud to be employed at Dayton Reliable Tool and Die. Among the companies he worked for after college were Monarch Marking Systems, Miamisburg, OH; G.E. Aviation, Cincinnati, OH; Armco Steel's Research Division, Middletown, OH; and NuTone, Cincinnati, OH. Over the course of his career he was awarded two U.S. patents.

Gene farmed almost 300 acres in Wilmington, Ohio. He loved boating and sailing and was an avid motorcyclist participating in numerous Enduro competitions as a young man and later taking bike trips to much of the U.S. and Nova Scotia. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Gene referred to himself as a farmer, not an engineer. He had an infectious laugh, loved a beer with family and friends, had enough energy and drive for two people, was always on the lookout for a bargain, and found creative ways to solve problems. During an Enduro he spotted an abandoned motorcycle. The owner said if he could get it running it was his. He had no tools, but using a foil gum wrapper he got the engine running and drove the bike home. He saw potential value in what others would throw away and would bring home "junk," fix it, and sell it. Where you found Gene you would find a dog, or a cat or cow or horse. Over the years he rescued more than 70 dogs and cats that were dropped off at his farm.

He leaves his wife, Ruth Perrine Tudor, three daughters, Vicki Devor, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Jenni (Bill) Freeland, Waynesville, OH; and Abby (Dave) Shinkle, Waynesville, OH; their mother, Judy Hunter; brother Richard Finke, Wake Forest, N.C.; stepsons Daniel Tudor, Covington, KY; Michael (Rebecca) Tudor, Celina, TX; and Gregory (Stacey McIntyre), Cincinnati, OH; 10 grandchildren, Alberta Devor, Tanner, Wyatt, and Riley Jo Shinkle; Scout and Kaia Heitkamp; Chance, Marley, and Grace Tudor; and Brooke Tudor (Cameron) Compton.