Csm Charles L. Finney, Us Army, Retired

Command Sergeant Major Charles Lawrence Finney, US Army, Retired, 84, passed away at 6:42pm on Friday, April 6, 2018, following a brief illness.

He is survived by his two daughters, April Perron (husband Jeff) of Broussard, LA; Cathy Chapman (partner David Brown) of Lake Charles; granddaughter Dominique Elizabeth Perron; grandson John Charles Perron; two brothers George Finney (wife JoAnn) of LaPorte, IN; David Finney of Haines City, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved feline companion, TC.

CSM Finney is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lavonne Finney; two brothers Donald Finney and Richard Finney; and his parents Mildred and Rufus Finney.

Born on May 10, 1933 in Hillsdale, IN, Chuck (as he was affectionately called by all) and his four brothers followed in their father’s footsteps of service in the military or law enforcement. Drafted at the age of 20 in 1953, his decorated military career spanned 30 plus years during which he served in Korea, two tours of Germany, two tours of Vietnam, and stateside. He wore many hats: recruiter, ROTC instructor, NCO Academy Instructor, infantryman, drill sergeant, and graduated from Sergeant Majors Academy with honors. He, Lavonne and the girls were true military travelers making their home in Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, New York, Alabama, before settling in Louisiana.

During his retirement years, Chuck served as Past Commander and Adjutant of the DAV; was active on the Mayor’s Armed Forces Committee and involved in Veterans affairs and organizations. Recognized for his service to country, he was honored as a KPLC Hometown Hero. His favorite hobbies were playing bridge, reading, fishing, dancing, watching old western movies and activities with his friends at Brookdale Assisted Living.

A military graveside service will be held at 11:15 AM on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Friday from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Veterans’ organizations, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, st.jude.org, or Hobo Hotel for Cats and Kittens, www.hobohotelforcats.com, would be appreciated.