Fred Lamont Finger III

Fred Lamont Finger III, lovingly known as “PaPa,” passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023, in the comfort of his home in League City, Texas, with his daughter, Jan, and dedicated caregiver, Ally, by his side. PaPa was born on May 31, 1931, in Galveston, Texas, to Fred L. Finger Jr. and Herminia (Minnie) Porfiria Carmona. As the eldest of four children in a closely-knit family, he spent his youth making happy memories with friends and dedicated his teen years to selling (and regularly partaking in) ice cream meant for Galveston beach-goers – though he never failed to take some time in the sun for himself. He later enjoyed hunting in the hills of Bandera and learned to dress a deer while working at the butcher shop with his father-in-law. He graduated from Ball High School in Galveston in 1950. His time as a lieutenant in the ROTC rifle team at Ball would lead him to pursue a career in military service immediately after graduation. Shortly after enlisting in the Naval Reserve Training Squadron at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Fred married his high school sweetheart, Betty Joyce Mosso. After training on T-28 Trojan aircraft, Fred transferred to the United States Air Force. Fred was also stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas, and the Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, in which he was responsible for the rifle range firing line and the 3750th technical training wing, respectively. In addition, he led the 3560th flight line maintenance squad – his most significant duty assignment at Sheppard Air Force Base. Fred proudly served in the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1954 at the rank of staff sergeant. During that time, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal for his service. Following his military service, Fred and Betty settled in LaMarque and raised a beautiful family, including his son, Perry, and daughters, Judy and Janice, the latter of whom he lovingly called, “Mish.” He began working at the Monsanto Company in Texas City, where he served as a laboratory supervisor and was instrumental in the initial development of household plastics. Fred participated in a great deal of innovative work at Monsanto for many years before eventually moving to Core Labs. In 1988, PaPa married Lynn, with whom he had two children, Matthew and Victoria, both of whom he dearly loved and cherished. Together, the family resided in Dickinson, Angleton, and Sugarland. After a short time in Iowa, they returned to Texas and settled in League City. PaPa was an avid sailor and experienced navigator, regularly spending time on his sailboat, Mi Querida II. Many great adventures were had sailing out to picnic on Red Fish Island with his family. In the journey of a lifetime, Fred, Lynn, and Matthew sailed from the Virgin Islands throughout the Caribbean. He was also a participant in the Harvest Moon Regatta, a two-day and two-night 150-nautical-mile race from Galveston to Port Aransas under the light of the harvest moon. Beyond sailing, however, PaPa had a wide variety of interests. Whether it was participating as a dedicated armchair contestant on Wheel of Fortune, avidly playing word search puzzles on his phone, taking trips to Walmart, dining out for lunch at local eateries, or ensuring his friends – the backyard squirrels – were well fed, he always kept himself busy. PaPa’s true passion, however, was spending time with his family. He loved watching the people he cared for grow and thrive. He was adamant about texting all his children and grandchildren (even the ones who can’t read) to say goodnight, reminding them of how much they are loved and to say their prayers. Fred joined St. Christopher Episcopal Church in February of 2000, and served as a greeter and acolyte. He was active in bible studies and men’s breakfast group. He also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the men’s retreat, where he had the opportunity to showcase his cooking skills. Because the community at St. Christopher became a part of his extended family, one of his greatest joys toward the end of his life was attending services there with his daughter, Victoria, and his grandson, Weston. PaPa deeply appreciated the love and support shown to him by his close friends and compassionate caregivers. His family is forever grateful for the efforts of those who made the last year of his life so special. Fred is survived by his children: son, Perry Finger; daughters, Janice (Tim) Spiers and Victoria (Justin) Brown; and daughter-in-law, Kristen Finger; and grandchildren: Kristal (Matt) Green, Alaina Spiers, Michelle Spiers, Courtney Spencer, Willie Hernandez, Rihannon Hernandez, Christopher Hernandez, Derrick Hernandez, Destiny Brinson, Gabriel Finger, and Weston Brown; and great-grandson: Mason Green, as well as a host of other grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved dearly; and, lastly, his loyal dog and confidant, Max. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; Minita, Jimmy, and Betsy; his wife, Lynn; his former wife, Betty; his children, Judy and Matthew; and his grandsons, Michael and Fabian. PaPa’s beloved cat, Lucy, passed shortly before he did, and his family is happy to know that this inseparable pair has been reunited. When asked how he was doing, Papa always offered his trademark response of, “I’m just doing the best I can.” For those who knew him, loved him, and now miss him, his best was more than enough. The family will receive friends for Fred’s memorial service and reception at St. Christopher Church in League City, Texas on March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. If unable to attend in person, the memorial can be viewed live online through this link: https://www.facebook.com/stchrisepiscopal/live_videos A military honors service will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. for the internment of Fred’s ashes at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. The family will also take a final boat excursion to Redfish Island in memory of their dad and PaPa, thanks to the generosity of his longtime sailing buddies, Jim Hammond and Charles Scott.