Sammy Joe Finley

Sammy “Sam” Joe Finley, age 89, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma passed peacefully at his son’s home in Tuttle, Oklahoma on August 9th, 2023.

Sam was born on January 16,1934 in Delavan, Kansas to Marshall and Zelma (Krenkle) Finley. Sam was raised with his siblings Philip (Bruce), Robert (Wally), and twin sisters Bonnie and Virginia (Diddy). In Sam’s 8th grade year, the family re-located to Keats, Kansas where Sam met the love of his life, Donna Elizabeth Wood. Sam and Donna remained sweethearts all throughout their years at school. He was an outstanding student and athlete until his graduation in 1952. Sam attended Kansas State University for two years before enlisting in the Army. He and Donna married May 30,1954 before Sam shipped off to Germany. After serving his country for two years, Sam became a finance manager for the oil industry. He enjoyed a very long and productive career until his retirement from Texaco in 1994.

Sam and Donna were blessed with three wonderful children, Tim, Roni, and Brad. They moved to Sand Springs in 1974 when Sam was transferred to Tulsa. Sam enjoyed maintaining his home at Lake Keystone, raising horses, gardening, hunting, and vacationing with his family. He and Donna enjoyed traveling until their later years, but his greatest joy was spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Donna Elizabeth Finley; son Tim Finley and wife Robin of Harrisonville, MO; daughter Roni Gardner and husband Jim of Lawton, OK; son Brad Finley and wife Michele of Tuttle, OK; sister Virginia Hiatt of Olathe, KS; and grandchildren Ian, Jayme, Marshal, Dylan, Emma, Hannah, and Aaron.

He is preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Zelma Finley; brother Philip Bruce Finley; brother Robert Wallace Finley; and sister Bonnie Holman.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sam’s honor to Lydia Chapel in Keats, Kansas.

Keats-Lydia Chapel

United Methodist Church

Attn: Nancy Shurle

8080 Anderson Avenue

Manhattan, KS 66503