Frederick Russell Finch

Fred had an active childhood growing up in Amarillo playing guitar in a band called “The Comets” for school dances and at the USO club. He also taught guitar, drums, and piano after school at Jennie Foster School of Music and played drums in the Tascosa High School band.

In June 1969, Fred was in a dune buggy accident on the Canadian River which left him a quadriplegic. While in the hospital he was reassured that God did have a plan for him. During Occupational Therapy they taught him how to paint while holding a long-handled brush between his teeth. He completed seven oil paintings and sold several of them.

Fred continued his schooling at Bivins Rehabilitation Center and graduated in August 1970 from Tascosa High School. That fall he attended Amarillo College and the next year attended West Texas College in Canyon, Texas. Due to the lack of wheelchair accessibility at both colleges, he decided to transfer to the University of Houston for the Fall semester. Returning to Houston after Christmas break, Fred met his soon to be wife Dorothy in January 1973 and they were married in December 1973. In August 1982, Fred welcomed his son Matthew into the world.

Fred pursued a career as a Software Engineer, and worked at Texas Commerce Bank, Milchem Inc., Compaq Computer Corp (HP), and BMC Software. He retired in 2006.

Fred was very active in all things. He learned to drive and had his own van to run around town. He was there for Matthew’s baseball games, scouting, and school events. Fred was an active HAM radio operator (KE5LU) and love to travel to visit with his family and friends.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances Finch. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his son Matthew, wife Alanna and 4 grandchildren. His brother Jim (wife Gail) and sister Jane (husband Alan), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, Texas 77060. The funeral service will occur on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 13012 North Fwy, Houston, Texas 77060. A committal service will occur on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 12:15 to 12:30 pm at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, Texas 77060.

You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart.