Son of Martha (Hann) and Clarence Finney, he was born April 25, 1945, in Niotaze, KS. Graduating from Caney High School and McFarland Trade School in Coffeyville, Gary joined the U.S. Air Force November 1, 1966, and served four years, one of which was in Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam, he joined the 188th Arkansas Air National Guard and received an associate degree and welding certificate from Westark Community College in Fort Smith. Gary worked as a jet engine technician supervisor for 28 years, retiring December 14, 1998.
After retirement Gary began a second career as Handyman Extraordinaire. His first construction project was adding a two-story deck to his own house. Next, he opened the front porch (which had been enclosed) on his wife's grandmother's house and totally renovated the inside. From there he purchased and flipped houses and even built his brother Gene a house from ground up in Chautauqua, Kansas. For years Gary was able to complete large projects and up until just days before his death, he was eager to perform small jobs for area residents.
Modeling his father-in-law's expertise, Gary became an avid fisherman. It was common to have numerous rods attached to his boat while fishing in Keota, OK. During later years, unable to unload the boat, he drove to family ponds and city lakes. During the last weeks of his life, he caught many crappie, which he froze for family fish fry's when his children came for visits. Growing vegetables and flowers brought Gary joy. In spite of frail health this Spring, he managed to till the garden and plant his vegetables. Gladiolas and cannas from previous years sprang up and bloomed along the front of his house. Gary enjoyed watching all sports–especially the Razorbacks– rodeos, NASCAR, westerns, and the RFD television station.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Alta Kirchner, Mary Dufoe, Hilta Gorby, and Wanda Riley; brothers Johnny, Gene, and Danny Finney, all of Kansas; and his in-laws Melba (Gilbreath) and Mondell Owens of Parks, AR.
He is survived by daughter Lee Anna Darji (Ankur); son Clayton (Jenny) Finney, Houston, TX; grandsons Evan Darji and Liam Finney; granddaughters Anya Darji and Claire Finney; mother of his children Louise (Owens) Finney of Fort Smith, AR; brothers Kyle (Joyce), Harold (Bonnie), Melvin (Mary), David (Janice), Roy (Carol), all of Kansas, and Lyle (Suzanne) of Orofino, ID. He was also survived by sister-in-law Patricia Richmond and nieces Reshia Richmond and Stephanie (Richmond) Anderson, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Edwards Sunday afternoon, June 9, from 2:00 to 4:00. Funeral will be in the sanctuary of Fort Smith First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, with burial at 1:00 in the Fort Smith National Cemetery with full military honors.
Pallbearers will be Ankur Darji, Evan Darji, Liam Finney, Mason McConnell, Eric Loffer, Justin Cates and Ben Cates.
Honorary Pallbearers are Kyle Finney, Harold Finney, Roy Finney, Melvin Finney, David Finney, Lyle Finney, Dave Rickard, Johnny Wilson, Bruce Vick and the Faith United Methodist Church Men’s Prayer Group.
Memorials may be sent to Fort Smith First United Methodist Church Guatemala Mission Team, 200 N 15 St. or the Niotaze Fairview Cemetery; P.O. Box 203; Niotaze, KS. 67355.
