Gilbert Finley

1927 - 2025

Gilbert Finley

September 10, 1927 - November 9, 2025

Wichita, Kansas - Gilbert W Finley, age 98, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Azria Health in Wichita, Ks. He was born in a rural farm residence in Cowley County, Kansas, located adjacent to the road on the way home from Cambridge KS to Latham, KS. He was born the first son of Vernie L and Mary E Finley on September 10, 1927.

Gilbert married his high school sweetheart Evelyn M Razey May 18, 1946. To this marriage two sons were born, Stephen W and Larry K Finley.

He is survived by his wife of 79 years, Evelyn Finley; Son Stephen (Barbara) Finley, sister Patricia (Max) Craig, and sister-in-law Erma Clarkson.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents: Vernie and Mary Emma Finley, son: Larry K Finley, sisters and brothers-in-law: Velma and husband Holland Creed, Sonya and husband Charles Knowles, his brother and sister-in-law Delbert and wife Joyce Finley, brothers-in-law Jesse Clarkson, Lewis Razey, and mother and father-in-law Blanche and Clarence Razey.

Gilbert is also survived by six grandchildren: Larry (Sharon), Christa (Tracy) Jahay, Joshua Finley, Kevin (Heather) Finley, Stephanie (Robert) Aschentrop and Jennifer (Lonnie) Zaring. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grndchildren.

Gilbert graduated from Latham High School in the class of 1945 where he became known for his athletic ability on the basketball court.

After completing his education, he began his work experience as a ranch foreman on the Sluss and then the Varner ranches. He left ranch, livestock, and farming life to go to work in the oilfields of Kansas. His first job was with Rex & Morris Drilling Co. After a time, there he was recruited by Richard Smith the owner of Range Oil Co in Wichita, KS. He held the position of Superintendent of Production and Exploration until his retirement.

Gilbert and Evelyn loved to travel and had traveled to almost every state in the United States. They often traveled with other couples such as his sister Sonya and her husband Chuck, personal friends, or his high school buddy, Jim Brewer and wife Loriene They spent several years living on their ranch they purchased after retiring from Range Oil Co., located in the Chataqua Hills of southeast Kansas. There they kept cattle, llamas, donkeys, and other animals with a picturesque view from their home of the spectacular view of the Chautauqua Hills.

Gilbert will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M Friday, November 14, 2025 at Baker Funeral Home West 3224 N. Tyler Rd. Wichita, KS, 67205 with burial to follow at 1:30 P.M. at Latham, Cemetery Latham, KS,