Leonard Fredrick Finke

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra; son Scott Finke; daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Matt Brooks; grandchildren Adam, Meredith and Madison; brother Onis Finke and sister Eva Supak and their families; as well as many, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Frwy., Houston, TX. 77079. Interment will follow at a later date, at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Son of Lena (Wehmeir) and Fritz Finke, he was born March 26, 1941, in Navasota, TX. He graduated Brenham High School in 1960, and started working for Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, TX. He enlisted in the National Guard shortly after, called up and stationed in Fort Polk, LA. After discharge he went back to Blue Bell. He later worked at HL&P for 15 years as a lineman. Shortly after he assumed leadership roles at TeCo, and George M. Construction. He and Sandra loved cruises and traveled across the world embarking on a total of 19 cruises. Prior to the popularity of “Urban Cowboy” they loved to dance and could be found on the weekends at Gilley’s in Pasadena, Dancetown USA in north Houston, or dances hosted by friends in Brenham. He was known for his barbecue skills and used them during church picnics and family events. Leonard coached Scott in baseball at Oaks Dad’s Club in Houston and Spring Klein Sports Association and was president of the Oaks Dad’s board in 1975-1976. During his retirement years he loved to attend his grandchildren’s sports events and tend daily to his cattle. An avid football fan, he and Sandra held season tickets to the Houston Oilers and were inaugural Houston Texans season ticket holders until Scott recently took them over. Leonard could be found falling asleep watching his Houston Astros whenever they played.

He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father, aunts and uncles, brothers Raymond and Ivan, sister Irene, and his daughter in law Jana.

Leonard was a deeply beloved grandfather, father, husband, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His passing was unexpected but after the health issues he had over the past 10 years, his fight was worthy of admiration. While we lost our loved one, many have lost a true friend. He has been a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others, and even a glorious pain in the neck, to what I'm sure is a small select few (because no matter what happened in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him).

We invite you all to share pictures or memories online. It was his wish that we laugh and reminisce and smile together during this time. In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to your favorite charity.