Clayton R. Finch, 87, of South Lincoln Avenue in Niles, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010 at 4 a.m. at his home of natural causes.

Mr. Finch was born Nov. 25, 1922 in Niles to Lloyd and Elizabeth (Fisher) Finch. He graduated from Niles High School and was a lifetime resident of Niles. He retired in 1985 from National Standard Co. in Niles. He also retired from New York Central Railroad and was employed at Hawthorne Melody Dairy in South Bend.

Clayton was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army.

He was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles and the Knights of Columbus Council 708 Third Degree, Fr. Baroux Assembly 0476 Fourth Degree. He was a board member of Saint Vincent DePaul in Niles and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He was an avid University of Notre Dame fan, fisherman, golfer, gardener and candy-maker. He was famous for his toffee and peanut brittle.

On Dec. 28, 1963 in Niles, he married the former Anna B. Wetmore, who survives. Surviving family also includes their sons, Daniel (Debbie) Finch and Joseph (Mary) Malott; daughter, Ruth (Michael) Murphy, all of Niles; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Griffee, of South Bend.

Mr. Finch was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, Bill and Webster Finch.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Clayton R. Finch will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 2010 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles with the Rev. David Otto of the church officiating.

Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with a flag presentation by the American Legion.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, where the rosary  will be recited at 5:30 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Clayton may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church.