Michael R. "Rob" Finchum

Michael R. “Rob” Finchum, 79, passed away September 19, 2022 at his home in Plainfield, Indiana. Born December 24, 1942 in Indianapolis as the only child of Madison H.“Mike” Finchum and Flornell A. “Tilly” (Robertson) Finchum, Rob graduated from Plainfield High School in 1961. After graduating from Butler University in 1965, he married Jane Stamper of Plainfield the following year.  He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Education from Butler. Moving to North Dakota in 1966, Rob served in the Air Force at Minot Air Force Base until 1968.

After returning to Indianapolis, he taught sixth grade for the next four years at Mary McClelland Elementary School before accepting the position of Principal at Monrovia Elementary School in 1972. Notable achievements at Monrovia included a massive upgrade to the playground in 1982, when it was announced that the Westlake Drive-in Theater of Indianapolis would be closing. Rob contacted the Westlake owner, who agreed to donate the impressive collection of playground equipment to the school. A Second Amendment advocate, Rob later made headlines when he armed himself after receiving a threat at Monrovia. He remained with the Monroe-Gregg School District for the rest of his career, retiring in 1998.  

Accomplished in the art of photography, Rob founded Indy Images and worked as a wedding photographer for several years until the digital revolution effectively ended the use of film. Taking after his father, Rob was also skilled in woodworking. As an animal lover, Rob treasured his numerous Labrador Retrievers over the years. Rob is survived by sons Kurt Finchum of Mesa, Arizona and Kent Finchum of Plainfield, his former wife Jane (Stamper) Rapp of Fishers, Indiana, and many other extended family members.

Graveside services will be held on Friday September 23, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.  Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield is handling arrangements.  

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