Richard Duane Finnesy
1935 - 2023
Richard Duane Finnesy, of Plainville, passed away at Hays Medical Center on November 24th, 2023, at the age of 88.
He was born on June 10, 1935, the second son of Harold and Eleanor (Schrandt) Finnesy in rural Rooks County, Kansas.
Born into a life of hard work on the family farm, Richard's journey began after school to dedicate himself to the family farm. Unfazed by adversity, he weathered the trials and difficulties with unwavering determination.
He married Shirley Mason on July 31, 1953. They were blessed with two children: Dee and Tom.
Marriage brought new chapters, leading Richard to the oil fields, where he toiled tirelessly for years. He later reclaimed the Finnesy family farm, embracing his roots as a dedicated farmer with a passion for cultivating the land and tending to his livestock. He confronted the challenges of farm life with a fortitude that defined him.
Richard was a member of the Plainville United Methodist Church. His commitment to faith, love, and service to his family, friends, and community knew no bounds. He found solace and contentment in the simplicity of being outdoors. A daily ritual marked his later years, as he would drive to the farm, checking on the land he nurtured and loved. His connection with nature and his work defined the tapestry of his life.
Beyond the fields, Richard was a remarkable grandfather—a source of wisdom, laughter, and, some might say, a touch of ornery charm. He proudly supported his grandchildren and taught them by his daily example that a dream does not become a reality without hard work, determination, and the help of our Lord.
Richard's legacy is one of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of the American heartland. His life, marked by a strong work ethic and love for the land, leaves an indelible mark on those who knew him. May he find eternal peace, surrounded by the fields he tended, the love he shared with his family, and the memories he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home in Plainville; children, Dee (Bill) Mills and Tom Finnesy, both of Plainville; brother Rick Finnesy of Liberty, Mo.; 9 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Preceding Richard in death are his parents, Harold and Eleanor Finnesy; and brother Harold Finnesy.
A service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville, with burial to follow in Plainville Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1:30 until service time at the funeral home.
