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Matthew Finnell Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Matthew James Finnell, 53, of Springfield passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Memorial Medical Center.
Matthew was born on August 12, 1955, in Springfield, the son of Matthew James, Sr. and Charlene Barry Finnell.
Matthew graduated from Griffin High School, and he earned his bachelor's from Drake University and his doctorate from Tulane School of Law in New Orleans. He was a member of the IL State Bar Association, the Sangamon County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Government Bar Association, Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, White Tails Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Quail's Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever, and he was serving on the Board of Governors at Anchor Boat Club. He was employed as the Administrator for the Illinois Court of Claims. Matthew was an avid reader who also enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting.
Preceding Matthew in death are his grandparents.
He is survived by his parents, Charlene and Matthew Finnell of Springfield; his siblings, Catherine A. (husband, Dale) Becker of Springfield, Charles F. (wife, Kim) of Rochester, and John B. of Springfield; three nieces, Sarah, Emily, and Christine Becker; a nephew, Jake Finnell; an aunt; and several cousins.
Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at the Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at the Church of the Little Flower with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower School, 900 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703.
Please visit Matthew's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Finnell
Fred and Becky Becker
March 25, 2009
I'm sorry that my original attempts at this were not successful the day of the funeral. Matt was one of my two best friends in the world growing up in Springfield- I've known him since he was about 10 years old. I couldn't believe it when I heard he was gone. I hadn't seen him for about 5 years but he was exactly the same Matt I knew all along when I saw him last. I'm still stunned that this could be happening. It has made me realize how much I wish we had stayed in touch more all these years, because once people are gone it is too late. There are a million stories about Matt I could tell- everything from Mardi Gras when he went to Tulane, to fishing at "the pond" while growing up, to driving the Buick down side roads while we were in high school. Most of all I will remember Matt as the guy with that little grin on his face, who just happened to also own more armament than anyone else I know! My heart goes out to all of the Finnell family in their loss. Matt was always a first class guy and Becky and I will miss him dearly. I am proud to have been able to call him my friend all these years and pray that he is in a better place now. I wish I could have come to pay my respects in person but unfortunately I was on business out of the country. Matt- you will always be a part of who I am and where I came from. You will always be my friend.
Norma Jann
March 7, 2009
Dear Finnell Family:
I'm first sorry the original message I intended to send was not recorded. Please accept my sincere sympathies and prayers in your sad loss. I was privileged to call Matt not only my brilliant, generous witty colleague but my valued friend after many years on the Court of Claims.
May you find comfort in knowing how much Matt meant to his friends and how many lives he touched in his work.
Norma F. Jann
Brenda and Arne Dutcher
March 4, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to all the Finnell family. We were in Florida for a few weeks, and a friend called us with the sad news. We will always remember Matt's smile and sense of humor and know he will be remembered with fondness and love by all the Anchor Boat Club friends.
Anita Thorndyke Johnson
February 26, 2009
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. My sister, Darlene Kratz informed me of Matt's death. I extend my deepest sympathy to all of your family.
Norman and Suzanne Gilvey
February 26, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Morrison
February 25, 2009
My condolences to the family on the loss of a wonderful man. Matt had a warm and generous nature that will be sorely missed. His old haunts will be a little darker without him. May his memory serve as a blessing.
Ted Eck
February 25, 2009
memories of that big bright smile, that is how I remember Matt, always seemed to be in a great mood whenever we crossed paths...all the best to my friend John and the rest of the Finnell family. My prayers are with you all.
Philip Maxwell
February 24, 2009
To the Finnell family,
Special times were spent with Matt.
He was a good, caring friend. He is
now with Hunter S. Thompson.
God Bless. Phil & Donna Maxwell
Greg and Barb McCulley
February 24, 2009
We all will miss Matts help and felllowship at ABC. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.
Jim & Joan Withers
February 24, 2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Finnell family. Joan and I met for the first time at a party at Matt's house. That was 25 years ago. Matt was quite a guy.
Terry & Robin Rock
February 24, 2009
To the Finnell Family,
To say that Matt was a wonderful guy is an understatement. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tom & Pat Stuckey
February 24, 2009
The Stuckey’s have had a great relationship with Matt.
The Finnell family has our deepest sympathy. Matt was loved by all of us and will be missed deeply. You are in our prayers and we will
always remember Matt as a true friend.
Randy & Kathy Nickell
February 24, 2009
To the Finnell Family...Our sincere condolences on the loss of your son and brother Matt. Matt remains a special friend from my youth in Springfield. I fondly remember his skills at water skiing, as well as the long-term friendship of our parents. Matt will be missed.
Jennifer, Harry, Bill Suiter
February 24, 2009
To the Finnell Family,
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. As long as we have memories, Matt will always be with us. He was certainly a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Love & Prayers for all,
Jennifer, Harry, & Bill Suiter
Suella Tinsley
February 24, 2009
Dear Finnell Family, No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. May Matt's sweet memories of his life comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Suella Tinsley
Warren & Kathy Gold
February 24, 2009
All of who had the joy of knowing Matt were blessed. He will live in our memories as a wonderful friend and will be dearly missed. Our most heartfelt sympathy to the family.
February 24, 2009
We were so sorry to hear about Matt. He will be missed.
Bob and Debbie (Gordon) DalSanto
Loveland, OH
Fred Rovey
February 23, 2009
With deepest sympathy to the Finnell family,Matt was always such a pleasant person with a big smile.May everyones thoughts and prayers be of some comfort to you.
Dan Mataya
February 23, 2009
My condolences to the entire family. Some of my favorite memories growing up were spent with Matt fishing, boating and those Ozark vacations. A sad reminder of how fragile life can be. May you find peace in these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly Manning
February 23, 2009
To Matt's Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. He was alway fun to be around. We have many good memories of Matt.
Mark & Kelly (Shea) Manning
Jim Reid
February 23, 2009
Thoughts and prayers to Matt's family. He will be missed!
Memorial Medical Center -Cardiac Rehab Staff
February 23, 2009
We knew Matt through Cardiac Rehab, he was always a joy to have in class and we are going to miss his witt and humor. God Bless your family at this difficult time.
Jeff and Brenda Jones
February 23, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Finnell family. He will be greatly missed at the Anchor Boat Club.
Mike & Diane Hale
February 23, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Finnell family. Matt will be greatly missed.
February 23, 2009
To Matt's Family:
Mike and I are very sorry to hear of Matt's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Paula (Tapocik) Lantz --- Class of 73 GHS and UA
Ed and Trisha Lind
February 23, 2009
John, Chuck and Finnell family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt was a wonderful, caring man and we will miss seeing him at the ABC.
Jennifer Kuhn
February 23, 2009
My deepest condolences. Your family is in my prayers.
Jim and Paula Bishop and Barb and Rich Long
February 23, 2009
To all of the Finnell Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rosalie Pecoraro
February 23, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Matt's family. I had the pleasure of working with him many years back- at the Court of Claims. He was a GREAT guy- always smiling and and fun to be around. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Dave & Linda Campbell
February 23, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Finnell family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May god give you strength and peace during this time of sorrow. Matt will be greatly missed by us and and all that knew him.
David Harris
February 23, 2009
Matthew would often volunteer to raise funds for those less fortunate.
His big smile and even bigger heart will be missed.
Bob Partridge
February 23, 2009
Chuck, John and the entire Finnell family please except our deepest of sympathy in the loss of your brother. Matt was an intelligent, caring individual who we came to know through the Anchor Boat Club and always considered a friend. We know he will be missed by many, our prayers are with you all.
Bob Partridge & Anita
Marc C. Loro
February 23, 2009
Matt was a founding member of the Govt. Bar Asso., some 20 years ago, and maintained his membership and participation to the end. He served on some committees in the early years of the GBA. At all times, he was gracious, cordial, and steady. He served his profession the people of Illinois well. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Kimberly Smith
February 23, 2009
My heart is totally aching for all of you at this time. We had alot of fun times with Matt, John and Chuck at the Anchor Boat Club. Although we have been gone for 9 years we will always cherish all of our dear friends at the ABC. May God wrap his arms around all of you at this time to help you all heal.
Love and Prayers,
Kimberly and Phillip Smith
Rich Hartman
February 23, 2009
My condolences to the Finnell Family on the passing of Matthew.
jeff, mari ross
February 23, 2009
john, chuck, and family,our deepest sympathy to you and yours please know that both jeff and i are here for you now and always, i truly enjoyed matt alot and he will always hold a place in my heart. our thoughts and praryers are with you all. forever jeff and mari ross
Gene Hayes
February 23, 2009
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed Matt and considered him a friend. We will all miss him.
Gene/Jacquie Hayes
Sallyann herter
February 23, 2009
Matt and I crossed paths several times as Matt was looking at cases in the Court of Claims and I, working in the Comptrollers Office, knew the where to look in accounting records for pertinent information. I will always think of Matt as a kind and loyal friend...and a son his father would be proud
Tad & Ernie Barrow
February 23, 2009
To all of the Finnell Family,
Matt will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to all of you, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You now have a very special guardian angel watching over you.
Tom Villiger
February 23, 2009
Charlene, Matt and family,
I am so sorry to hear about young Matthew's all to early death. You Finnells are a sterling and strong family, but I know this is real challenging time.
My warm and loving thoughts go out to each of you.
Terri Campbell
February 23, 2009
Matt will be missed. My condolences go out to the Finnell family.
John Schoen
February 23, 2009
I've known Matt since we were kids at Anchor Boat Club. We had many mutual friends and great times. Please accept my condolences...
Marilyn Capranica
February 23, 2009
I am so sorry for you loss. May God be with you in your time of sorrow.
Larry and Flo Wort
February 23, 2009
Top all the Finnell Family,
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Finnell and Becker Family. To lose a loved one in the prime of their life is always sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam and Jack (Selinger) Weisenborn
February 23, 2009
To the Finnell Family:
We are so sorry about the passing of Matt. I just visited with him last week at MMC and he was in such good spirits...as always. We shared some laughs about he and Tom Flattery....he was such a joy to be around.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. We will all miss your Matt.
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