Finley Gambrel Jr.

Finley Gambrel Jr., 78, of Thompson, Ohio, passed away on October 16, 2026.

Born to the late Finley Gambrel and Geneva Bargo Gambrel, Finley is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Donna (Sanders) Gambrel; his children, Karen Gambrel, Finley James (Misty) Gambrel, and Daniel (Emily) Gambrel; his grandchildren, Julia Grzep, Matthew Grzep, Abbey Grzep, Dannion Winnen, Bryce Delano, Aubrey Sells, Riker Gambrel, Effie Gambrel; and his sisters, Dora Bissett and Lois Gambrel his niece, Beverly (Tim) McDaniel; his nephew, David (Leisha) Rehard; and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Betty Gayle Koehn, Effie Williamson, Harold Gambrel, Dan Gambrel, Rosa Jackson, Gretel “Sis” Mills, Genoa Hubbard, and Bonnie Gambrel.

Finley grew up on a farm in Corbin, Kentucky, where he learned the value of hard work, independence, and perseverance. These qualities stayed with him throughout his life. Just three days after his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in Korea along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during a time of heightened tensions in the area.

Finley and Donna built their life together in Northeast Ohio, first settling in Willoughby and later making Thompson their longtime home. For 44 years, Finley owned and operated Gambrel's Insurance Agency in Eastlake, Ohio, retiring in 2022. He took great pride in his business and the relationships he built along the way. Many of his customers became his friends, often stopping by the office not just for insurance, but to hear the latest joke, get a gardening update, or simply catch up on current events.

When he wasn't at the office, Finley tended to his farm, raising cows, chickens, goats, rabbits, dogs, and a variety of other animals. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening, often sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.

Finley will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, friendly nature, and ability to make those around him laugh. Whether telling a joke, sharing a story, or simply enjoying a conversation, he had a way of making people feel welcome and bringing a smile to their faces. His warmth and humor will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched, and his memory will live on through his family and the friendships he made throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers and in appreciation of the compassionate care Finley received, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the VA Palliative and Hospice Care Fund of Northeast Ohio in his memory. HERE

Celebration of Life Service Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1PM at the funeral home. Burial following at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Family will receive friends to gather in remembrance and celebrate the life of Finley at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY OF CHARDON (formerly Ritondaro) 126 SOUTH ST. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) Friday, 11AM -1PM. Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.