Clyde Allen Finnell's Obituary
Clyde Allen Finnell
Clyde Allen Finnell, 78, Palm Coast, Florida, died on April 29, 2013.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Finnell’s roots were in southwest Iowa. He was born Nov. 7, 1934, in Cumberland, Iowa, the only child of Dorothy (Peterman) and Rector Dempsey Finnell. He graduated from Massena High School, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and his doctoral degree in education from the University of Southern California. He also served two years in the U.S. Army.
His passion for learning and discovery were lifelong and lead him to a career in education – striving throughout his life to make learning fun and meaningful for all the students’ lives he touched. He started his career as a science and math teacher in Colorado. In 1964, he and his family moved to Japan, where he began a 28-year-long career with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) system. He served as a teacher, math and science curriculum coordinator and superintendent during his time with the DODDS system while living in Japan, Sicily and finally Germany. While overseas, he developed a love for travel and exploring different cultures. He visited many different countries in Europe and Asia for work and on family vacations.
After retirement, Dr. Finnell and his wife moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he volunteered at the local animal shelter and did some part-time work, including serving as a little league umpire.
Dr. Finnell loved discussing politics and current events and was an avid reader—filling his home with a books on a variety of topics, especially history and biographies. He loved animals and was a strong advocate for adopting animals from shelters.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen, Palm Coast; Son, Mike Finnell (John Hebert), Washington, D.C.; daughter, Brenda Morehead (Jeff), Marion, Indiana; and grandchildren Sam & Anna Morehead, Marion, IN.
All arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service, Port Orange, FL.
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