Larry Finlay

August 13, 2024

Larry's life began with Millard and Elsie (Billy) Finlay on May 25, 1941, in Lakin, KS. He lived 83 years and passed away at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, on August 10, 2024.

He was the oldest of four. His siblings are Llyndee Lacey of Independence, KS; Ron Finlay of Kendall, KS; Sheree Finlay of Edwardsville, KS. All four kids grew up on the family farm located south of Kendall. 

Larry was very proud to be a Kendall Bobcat where he proudly wore the purple and gold colors as he burned up the basketball court and proficiently played the clarinet. He also graduated from Garden City Community College with an associate’s degree.

Larry was introduced to his future wife by her sister, Wanda Wilks, and on August 25, 1962, Larry and Georgia (Laney) were united in marriage and to this union were born Troy Finlay (1964) and Trudi DeWitt (1973).

Larry lived his life farming. He and Georgia lived in Manter in the early days of their marriage where Larry tried his hand at flood irrigation. In 1970 they returned to the family farm south of Kendall where he would farm alongside his dad and brother for many years and then on his own after Millard retired.

Larry built a large family home a mile from his parents, where he and Georgia built a life for 30 years. Larry tried many things besides growing wheat, to make ends meet including custom harvesting, baling, terrace building, growing sunflowers, raising hogs and running cattle. He and Trudi even started a bird seed company they called “Son Seeds.” They grew the crops to make a blend that was sold at local hardware stores. 

On December 2, 1995, Larry and Kerry (Schmidt) were united in marriage. They lived on the farm for the first 20 years and later moved to Sunflower Square in Syracuse. Larry resided the last two years of his life at the Hamilton County ISB Facility. They celebrated 28 years of marriage last year.

Larry's favorite pastimes were drinking coffee at the local coffee shop, playing cards with Trudi before bedtime, creating wildflower bouquets, playing PITCH, playing H-O-R-S-E at the basketball goal on their drive, watching Gun Smoke and M*A*S*H, hunting for arrow heads, taking family vacations and he even tried his hand at league bowling at Hilltop Lanes.

Larry was an attendee of Christ's New Covenant Church where he served as an Elder, a Sunday School teacher, substitute minister, sponsor for many youth outings and was sometimes known to play the tambourine! 

He volunteered many hours at Syracuse Christian Academy. His favorite role was coaching the girls’ basketball team. He had a favorite story to tell of a tournament in Amarillo, TX where the Eagles brought home the first-place trophy.

Larry was proceeded in death by both of his parents, Wife Georgia (1993), Son Troy (1992), foster daughter Shirley Hewlett (2017), Grandson Trevor (2014).

Larry leaves behind a legacy of faith and determination in his family, wife Kerry Finlay of Syracuse, KS; daughter Trudi and Darrin DeWitt of Syracuse, KS; Granddaughter Darian and Nate Horinek of Liberal, KS; Grandson Tierney DeWitt and fiancé Hannah Esslinger of Syracuse, KS; Grandson Dalton DeWitt of Goodland, KS; and Darian’s girls Braylee and Brecklynn. 

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM (MDT) at the First Christian Church in Syracuse, KS.  Inurnment will follow in the Syracuse Cemetery, Syracuse, KS.  

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be payable to Syracuse Christian Academy or Syracuse VIP Center and may be sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home LLC, PO Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878. 620-384-5100.