Lester Howard Finger

Lester H. Finger was born August 11, 1923, in Campbell, TX, to parents, Lester D. and Pauline Finger and went home to greet his Savior on July 23, 2013. He graduated from high school in Centralia, IL, completed his B.S. degree and then earned a Master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. He was a Navy pilot on the Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. For 37 years, he was an influential teacher and successful football and track coach. His 1959 Phoenix Christian High football team was undefeated and he became the first Arizona high school football coach of the year by the Associated Press poll. He was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and in his church. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Ruth Finger; sister Anita Krober of Greenville, IL, daughters, Mary Henry (Dennis); Nancy Hoover (Rick); Naomi Gregornik (Mike); Carol Stewart (Dale); son-in-law, Dr. Bob Cranston; 16 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Marie Lane, and daughter Barbara Cranston. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on August 10 at the Light and Life Free Methodist Church, 4002 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the above church.