Wilburn Finney

Wilburn Finney, a long time resident of Jennings was born January 31, 1922 in New Hope, Arkansas to Thomas L. and Katie (Taylor) Finney. As a young child the family moved to Muse, Oklahoma where Wilburn was raised and received his education. Wilburn was then united in marriage to Carmen Cherry on June 17, 1939 in Danville, Arkansas. The couple later established their home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma where they raised their seven children. The couple both accepted employment with the Commander Mills Company in 1941. Wilburn soon joined the United States Army in 1944 during World War II. Wilburn served his country fighting for our freedom in Rhineland as well Central Europe. During this time he received two Bronze Stars for his actions of those campaigns. He then returned back to the United States in February of 1946.

In 1970 Wilburn and Carmen moved to the Jennings/Hallett area. During his time in this area he was an ordained minister as well as a Lay Minister in Osage, Oklahoma for the Gospel Lighthouse Church. Wilburn remained in his home until February of 2004 when it tragically caught fire.

Wilburn loved to fish, hunt and play his guitar while singing. A couple of his favorite places to be were on Lone Chimney Lake or at the stump banks on the Cimarron River fishing.

Wilburn passed away June 30, 2004 at the age of 82 years and 5 months. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carmen, son David Finney, two brothers Marvin and Joe Finney as well as a half brother Thomas Larkin.

Survived by his three sons, Jerry Finney of Pawnee, Oklahoma; James Finney of Jennings, Oklahoma; Ray Finney of Jennings, Oklahoma; three daughters Emma Gayle Sanderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Janette Finney of Cleveland, Oklahoma; Sharon Ware of Cleveland, Oklahoma; two brothers Howard Finney of Arkansas; Leon Finney of Prattville, Oklahoma; six sisters Hazel Shaw of Illinois; Bernice Matlock of Arizona; Doris Latino of Illinois; Mary Almond of Arkansas; Christine Williams of Mannford, Oklahoma and Martha; twelve grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, numerous great great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services and burial will be held Saturday July 3, 2004 at 2:00 pm in the Bethany Cemetery with services officiated by Rev. David Head under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Visit an online Video TributeÆ, obituary and guestbook for Wilburn Finney at www.chapman-black.com.