Gary Lee Finn

Gary Lee Finn, 83, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Gary was born on March 29, 1943, in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Glenn and Iris (Ellison) Finn. He grew up in the Arthur, Nebraska, area, where he attended country school before graduating from Arthur High School with the Class of 1961.

On April 21, 1963, Gary married the love of his life, Mary J. Nairn, at First Baptist Church in Garden City, Kansas. Together they made their home in Valentine, Nebraska, where Gary worked for area ranchers. In 1965, they moved to Elkhart, Kansas. Throughout his life, Gary worked for various ranchers, spent time in the oil fields, farmed on his own from 1978 to 1983, and later returned to the oil industry. He was employed by Mustang Oil Company and Chesapeake Oil and Gas before retiring in 2009.

Gary was a member of First Baptist Church in Elkhart, Kansas, and later attended Harvest Christian Fellowship. He was known for his unwavering work ethic, his deep love for his family, and his wonderful sense of humor. A true jokester at heart, Gary loved making others laugh and was always ready with a smile and one of his favorite sayings, "You bet ya!" Those who knew him will forever remember his quick wit, kind heart, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Finn, who passed away on November 4, 2023; his parents, Glenn and Iris Finn; his brother, Darwin Finn; his sisters, Darlene Conn and Shirley Vancura; and his brother-in-law, Babe Vancura.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Todd Finn and wife, Patsy, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma; his daughters, Renee Foster and husband, Fred, of Sutherland, Nebraska, and Melissa "Missy" Foster and husband, Tom, of York, Nebraska; his brother, Harry Finn of California; his grandchildren, Jeanette Badgley (Bryan), Josh Foster (Sarah), T.J. Foster, and Abby Foster (Geng); his great-grandchildren, Shanae, Blake, Josiah, Liam, Koltyn, Lakin, and Kinsley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends and his beloved dog, Cricket who brought him great joy.

Gary's legacy is one of hard work, dedication, laughter, and love. He leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew him. His family will especially remember his warm smile, playful personality, and hearing him say, "You bet ya!"—a phrase that will forever bring a smile to their hearts. He was also known for always wanting a hug from any woman who would give him one.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in North Platte, Nebraska. A private family inurnment will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be shared at www.odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.