A Celebration of life service for Michael D. Finlaw, 69 of Thornville was held Sunday November 20, 2022 at the Newark Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home with celebrants The Rev. John M. Kauffman, Rev. Father Donald E. Franks and Rev. Father Bill Hritzko officiating. A family gathering was held prior to the service.

Mike graduated as Valedictorian from Maysville High School in 1971 and Otterbein College in 1975.

Throughout his studies, Mike worked at his family's business, Finlaw Lumber in South Zanesville. He continued his career in the building supply business as Manager for Caradco Window & Doors and F.A. Kohler Company.

For nearly 30 years, he and his wife, Rosann Franks, owned and operated Oak Creations. The furniture store first opened in Pickerington and later moved to Millersport where it is today.

Mike passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2022. He was born December 15, 1952 in Zanesville, OH to Donald Wilbur and Gloria June (McMillan) Finlaw.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Rosann M. Franks; children, Andrew George Franks of Arlington, VA, Bryan Charles Franks of St. Louisville, OH, Emily Anne-Franks Finlaw and husband Fredrik Bergstrand of Thornville; grandchildren, Annie Marie Franks, Ellie Rose Franks, Leo Finlaw Bergstrand; siblings, Rebecca Lynn Paul of Zanesville, Deborah Anne (H. Wayne) Wolfe of New Carlisle, James Mitchell (Ann) Finlaw of Beaver Creek, OH; father & mother-in-law, Charles Eugene and Margaret "Peggy" (Hillis) Franks of Newark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rev. Father Donald Edward Franks of Newark, Annette Marie Franks (Dave Powers) of Columbus, John Charles Franks (Rebecca Hampton) of Newark; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Kenneth Paul.

The family requests memorial contributions in Mike's name to Holy Trinity School 225 S. Columbus Street, Somerset, Ohio 43783 or Hospice of Central Ohio, Attn: Philanthropic Development, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055.