He was born on May 20, 1951, in Burlington, IA, the son of Jack and Jean (Buck) Finley. Rex married Rebecca Walschleger on September 2, 1972, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Sherman.
Rex graduated from Williamsville High School in 1969 and earned his bachelor’s degree from SIUC. He went on to own and operate Finley Milling for 20 years. Rex enjoyed fishing for crappie, wood working, and coaching his children’s basketball, baseball, and softball teams. He was intelligent, organized, witty, and hardworking. Rex’s relationships with his family and friends were very important to him, and he will always be remembered for the “nicknames” he gave to loved ones and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; and sister, Joann Finley.
Rex is survived by his wife, Rebecca Finley of Sherman; mother, Jean Finley; daughters, Katie (Dan) Stauffer and Annie Finley; son, Casey (Jennifer) Finley; grandchildren, Jack, Emma, and Maggie Zibutis, Jacob and Ryan Finley, and Nellie, Olivia, and Cecilia Weller; siblings, Mark (Marybeth) Finley, Casey (Teri) Finley, Gail Steele, Roger (Margie) Finley, John (Mary) Finley, and Paul (Lori) Finley; beloved poodles, Rosie and Daisy; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
The family will host a Celebration of Life from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Sherman Athletic Club, 300 South 1st Street, Sherman, IL 62684.
Memorial contributions may be made to: HSHS St. John’s Foundation: Beyond the NICU Program, 800 East Carpenter Street, Springfield, IL 62769.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
