Thomas P. Finke

October 1, 1943 - March 20, 2022

Thomas P. Finke, 78, of Columbus, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Columbus Regional Hospital. Tom was born in Columbus on October 1, 1943 to Clarence H. Finke and Helen M. Pettit Finke. He married Karen J. Poptawski. Tom served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a founding member of the Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department where over the years he was a Firefighter, Assistant Chief and Chief. He was co-owner of Finke’s Store in Jewell Village and retired as a Corrections Officer with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department. He was a former School Bus Driver for the Bartholomew County School Corporation and attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Teike officiating. Calling will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include his wife, Karen J. Finke; step-daughter, Nana Willey of Columbus, IN; brother, James E. (Marti) Finke of Kewanna, IN; sister, Ann (Pat) Harrison of Columbus, IN and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence H. and Helen Finke; a brother, William C. Finke. You are invited to view his video tribute after 3 p.m. Friday, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet. www.jewellrittman.com