Cory James Finton was born July 4, 1980, in Norfolk, NE the son of Art and Delores (Dohmen) Finton. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1999. While in school he participated in track for two years and football for four years. He was a member of the varsity football team and a recipient of the Coach's Award. He lent his writing talents to the school newspaper, the literary magazine, and the yearbook. He had been employed as a stockman at Wal-Mart in Keokuk, IA for the past four years. He was a member of the Safety Team and the Sunshine Committee there. Cory faithfully attended the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk, running the soundboard for the Saturday Night Service and holding the Young Adult Bible Study at his apartment. He had also been active with the youth group at New Testament Christian Church and volunteered at the Common Grounds coffeehouse. Cory was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing. He also liked writing, reading Christian books, and listening to praise and worship music. His true passion in life was reaching others with the love of Jesus Christ. Cory James Finton died Saturday, July 5 in Fulton County, IL as the result of a drowning accident at the age of 23. He is survived by his mother Delores Finton of Keokuk, IA, his father, Art Finton of Keokuk, IA, one sister, Tina Finton of Keokuk, IA, one nephew, Carson of Keokuk, IA, his maternal grandparents, Ruth and Arnold Gerst of Omaha, NE and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Albert and Harriett Finton. Funeral services were held at 11 A.M., Friday, July 11, at the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Craig Burton and Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, IA. A Memorial was established for the Cory Finton Memorial Fund for his love of missions.

Contributor's note: Cory drowned while swimming in a lake at Cornerstone, an annual Christian music festival in Bushnell, Illinois. He had just learned to swim, and he went out by himself. No one claims to have seen him or heard him when he drowned. No foul play was suspected.

Cory was a wonderful guy...went to my church. He was completely unashamed of his faith and totally devoted to God.