Donald Francis Finn

Don Finn was born on January 10, 1934 in Barnes Hospital, St. Louis MO. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Maude (McGowan) Finn. Don grew up in St. Louis and attended a military high school, Christian Brother's College, marching daily in a military uniform and excelling at sports, especially basketball. He then attended and graduated from Washington University where he received both a Degree in Zoology and his Second Lieutenant Bars, having completed ROTC. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

After college, Don immediately joined the US AIR Force, being inducted in San Antonio then learning to fly in Enid, OK. Don's aptitude for flying culminated when he joined the Strategic Air Command, flying B-47 and B-52 bombers in Morocco. Following his discharge from the Air Force he flew for American Airlines, completing the first transcontinental jet flight from New York to San Francisco.

During his time as a pilot Don often found himself in Dallas. He made Dallas his permanent home after retiring from flying. Don worked for and with Pat McEvoy at General Aluminum Company eventually becoming part owner. Following the sale of the company Don started United Pump Supply which he ran and operated until retiring.

Don and his wife, Catherine, were married 48 years. Together they started a real estate business and built Salt Creek Ranch in Montague, TX. Don spent almost every weekend at the ranch driving the land, raising cattle, hunting and fishing. Don excelled at bird shooting, hunting quail in South Texas annually on his wife’s family ranch. He felt at peace at Salt Creek with his family, his labradors, and his solitary time in the country. Don is preceded in death by his beloved ranch foreman, Mariano Cordero. His connection with the ranch gave him almost as much joy as his family.

Don belonged to Dallas Country Club and was a former member of Preston Trails Golf Club and Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, CA. He loved the game of golf and the friends with whom he played. He was also a member of The Order of the Alamo in San Antonio.

Don is survived by his wife, Catherine S. Finn, his daughter Mary Finn Saisselin and her daughter Lucienne; Catherine Finn, Jr, and her children Tyson and Angelique Londeree and Catherine Finn lll; Patricia Finn Martillo, her husband John, and his children, Sean and his wife Janet, Matthew, Sophia, Natalie, and Lily.

We will miss his witty sense of humor, his charisma, his captivating smile and the Irish gleam in his eye.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 1p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75225.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Finn family.