LEHMAN FINCH: SPIRIT, CHARACTER, ENTHUSIASM

Cape Girardeau and the State of Missouri are reeling from an irreplaceable loss this week. The death of Lehman Finch leaves us impoverished, not just from losing another of a distinguished legal family, nor a dependable civic leader, nor a fundraiser without equal Lehman was all of those. We hurt today because Lehman was one of the great characters who ever called Cape Girardeau home.

Anyone who ever sat in the Royal N'Orleans' piano bar, listening to Lehman belting out the words to the long version of "Bill Bailey" as his beloved Dolores tickled the ivories, has witnessed what the French call joie de vivre.

That joyful voice and those many talents are stilled now, leaving us saddened, but with much to celebrate. Beyond the sheer delight he took in living, Lehman Finch was a man of great enthusiasms, and for the causes he believed in, his exuberance knew no bounds. The thing about Lehman is that he was such fun.

A proud graduate of the University of Missouri and of its School of Law, he loyally supported the Mizzou Tigers and for decades attended their football games, including most home and some away games. His major contributions to the law school earned him membership in the elite Jefferson Society. Before heading for MU as an undergraduate, Lehman had attended Southeast Missouri State, and so it was only natural that the late '40s would find him among the founders of the Boosters Club at Southeast.

Lehman's business career included many affiliations, especially in the world of banking. He went from success to success in legal, financial and business circles, respected in all. He was a generous host and a world traveler, well-known in many of the fine hotels and restaurants of the world.

Then there were the civic and charitable activities, among which is the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, one of many institutions and causes to benefit from his awesome talents as a fundraiser.

Those talents were never more vividly on display than on behalf of his Republican Party and its candidates. Lehman's commitment to our free republic went far beyond the lip service so many others settle for, as the accolades pouring in from national, state and local leaders attest.

Perhaps foremost among Lehman's devotions was his family, toward whom he demonstrated loving kindness, good cheer, and steadfast support. The father of two nearly grown children, upon marrying Dolores in 1962 Lehman acquired five more, whom he adopted, raised and educated as his own. The man's character equalled his commitment and enthusiasm.

Longtime associate Paul Ebaugh, himself a noted civic leader, had this to say on Monday: "Lehman Finch was that type of outstanding individual who comes along once in a generation. His strength of character, integrity and leadership were evidenced in many fields, and he leaves behind an enviable legacy, not just for Cape Girardeau but for the entire State of Missouri. He was larger than life, and I am proud to have called him my friend."

We know of no dissenters from that eloquent tribute, and extend our sympathies to the large family that today feels most acutely the loss of Lehman Finch.