Billy "Bill" Ray Finck

Billy Ray Finck, 88, of Topeka, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday June 1, 2025 at his home.

Bill was born on March 22, 1937 to Louie and Georgia Evelyn (Schooley) Finck in Rocky Ford, Colorado.

As a child his family moved to La Junta, Colorado where he attended school until graduation.

Bill served in the Air Force for 4 years. After his military service, he returned to Colorado to work at his father's bakery for several years.

Bill then moved to Topeka, KS where he worked for American Optical in Topeka. He was then transferred to St Louis, MO for 3 years, and transferred back to Topeka for a total of 10 years' service. He also worked part-time at Pore' Richards for several years during this time.

Bill then began work at Hawkins Optical Lab for 35 years until his retirement in 2010. However, retirement didn't agree with him, so he chose to work at Hobby Lobby for a few years. He then decided that working in the yard and around the house was his true passion, which he continued to do until the very end.

On October 27th, 1984, he married Catherine (Cathy) J. Hobbs. Bill and Cathy lived in Topeka, Kansas. They met in 1982. They had an almost immediate connection, and two years later they were married. They enjoyed family get-togethers, especially holidays. They also enjoyed their own Halloween parties, which they called the "Happy Hallowbirthary Party" as Cathy's birthday, their anniversary, and Halloween were in the same month.

As a family, they enjoyed vacations, and as a couple they would occasionally vacation alone, eventually deciding staycations were fun too.

Bill and Cathy kept their love alive through the 43 years of togetherness.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; Penny Jo, daughter; Sara Lynn, daughter; Susan Michelle, daughter; Jennifer, granddaughter; Paige, granddaughter; Max, grandson; Gabe, grandson; Henry, grandson; Taetum, great granddaughter; Lola, great granddaughter; Ezra, great grandson; Joey, great granddaughter; Stevie, great granddaughter; Bella, great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his father; Louie Finck, mother; Georgia Evelyn Finck, brother; Jackie Finck.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, 12:00 pm at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.