Dillsboro Mourns the Loss of Two Beloved Community Members

"Both men were true pillars of Dillsboro."

Charles Finnegan (left) and Donald Grace Sr. 

(Dillboro, Ind.) - The Town of Dillsboro is mourning the loss of two beloved community members. 

Charles R. "Bob" Finnegan and Donald Grace Sr. both passed away within a day of each other. 

Finnegan passed peacefully at his home on August 1 at the age of 77. He was known as an investment broker for Hummel Insurance and started Huseman Insurance Agency in 1983. He was passionate about sports. In 1978, Finnegan became the first boys' varsity basketball coach at South Dearborn High School. He is inducted into the basketball hall of fame at Southwestern High School in Hanover and at The University of Dubuque in Iowa, where he still holds the record for single season points scored. 

Finnegan was a member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Dillsboro and was a previous member of the Dillsboro Volunteer Fire Department. In 2019, he and his wife, Mary Jo, were named Dillsboro Homecoming Festival King and Queen. 

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. Memorials may be given in honor of Bob to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Fellow Dillsboro native Donald Grace Sr. passed away a day after Finnegan on August 2 at the age of 93.

Grace served in the U.S. Army and dedicated over three decades of his professional life as a pipefitter and welder at Gulf Oil Refinery. He actively participated in numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including the Southeastern Indiana Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, Hopewell Masonic Lodge #80, Dillsboro American Legion Post #292, Eastern Star, and was recognized with the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel.

His commitment to the Shrine Club was especially noteworthy; he was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at parades and took great pride in preparing meals—particularly fried chicken and grilled steaks—for numerous events. 

Services for Grace will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Grace’s honor to the Southeastern Indiana Shriners Club.

"Both men were true pillars of Dillsboro, whose presence, contributions, and friendships left lasting impressions on so many lives. Their passing is a profound loss to our town. On behalf of the Dillsboro community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Grace and Finnegan families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. May their memories continue to inspire and uplift us all," reads a statement from Dillsboro Main Street.