Sergeant David Daniel Finley
Funeral services for David Daniel Finley, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2013, at the West Plains Civic Center, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Sergeant Finley died at 8:43 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at Lake Wedington, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He was born September 26, 1969, at Springfield, Missouri, to Dave and Melinda Funkhouser Finley, and was the oldest of three children.
He graduated from Kickapoo High School with the Class of 1987; he attended Drury University. David was a police officer for the Republic Police Department for three years, where he earned Rookie Officer of the Year. David then was a graduate of the 69th Missouri State Highway Patrol Recruit Class of 1995. He was assigned as the Zone 6 Sergeant covering Southern Howell and Oregon Counties and in 1997 he was named The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He was a dedicated and hardworking member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol who believed in the mission of his job.
On March 31, 1996, he was married at Branson, Missouri, to Debra LaFevers and to this union two beautiful children were born, Zachary D. Finley and Allyson B. Finley. Mr. Finley was of the Baptist faith.
Dave (a.k.a. D.D.) Finley embraced the challenges of life and he loved and treasured his family. He enjoyed deer hunting, playing softball, running and biking. He was a loyal fan of NASCAR and the Atlanta Braves. He has forever imprinted his hand on the hearts of those who were closest to him. We will love and miss him dearly.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Debra; two children, Zachary and Allyson, of the family home; his parents, Dave and Melinda Finley, Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Paul F. Finley and Phillip W. Finley, wife, Stacie, all of Springfield, Missouri; mother-in-law, Janet K. LaFevers, West Plains, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Dana Frost, West Plains, Missouri and Nicole LaFevers, Springfield, Missouri; and three brothers-in-law, David LaFevers, wife, Jan, Branson West, Missouri, Douglas LaFevers, West Plains, Missouri, and Daniel LaFevers, wife, Karen, Mountain View, Missouri; and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
His maternal grandparents, Dan and Lillian Funkhouser and paternal grandparents, George and Opal Finley, precede him in death.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2013, at The First United Methodist Church, West Plains, Missouri. Burial will be in the Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Finley Children’s Fund, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
The Martin Family
June 24, 2013 @ 9:03 pm
At a loss for words at such a tragic loss. Prayers and love sent to you from our family.
Dean Finley
June 24, 2013 @ 9:26 pm
David was a wonderful, husband, father, and civil servant. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Barbara & Loran Cockrum Haley Mayfield
June 24, 2013 @ 10:13 pm
We are so deeply sorry for your lose. May God give you the strength you need in this time of sorry. Dave will be missed by all that new him. We love you and if you need anything please just let us know. meme Barbara papa Loran and Haley
Susan Ledbetter-Ewing
June 24, 2013 @ 11:37 pm
Dave was and will always be a prince of a guy. I will forever remember his bright smile. I loved his story telling, he made me laugh till I cried. It was an honor for my family to have known him. I know that God has a beautiful plan but I wish I could take pain away from my dear sweet friend Debra and Zach and Ally.
I love you guys!
Suz
Carol Holingshad Holt & family
June 25, 2013 @ 4:21 am
Oh Deb.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. While I never met your husband or children, I knew they were family. Please know that you and the kids will be in our hearts and prayers.
Carol & Robert Holt
Bo and Sunie Pace
June 25, 2013 @ 12:41 pm
May God’s loving and caring arms wrap around you and give you strength during your time of sorrow. With our deepest sympathy. Bo and Sunie Pace
Debbie Patterson
June 25, 2013 @ 4:41 pm
My heart breaks for you & the kids. I admired David & I know my Dad thought a lot of him too. Our very deepest sympathy. The Patterson family
Gemma Bouthillier Hollmann
June 25, 2013 @ 11:09 pm
Debra and family, I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. Know that we are praying for you. May you have the peace only Christ can deliver. Blessings, Gemma
David Johnston EMT
June 26, 2013 @ 10:13 am
It was a pleasure working with Sergeant Finley on many accident scenes. We’ve lost an excellent officer and friend. Praying for the family that God will comfort them and walk with them hand in hand… even carry them through this dark valley.
The Cooks
June 27, 2013 @ 8:13 pm
Debra, Ally & Zack, There are no words to express the sorrow we feel at the loss of Dave. He leaves a hole in our neighborhood as we all will miss him. He has served us all so now is our turn to help serve his family in this time of need. My prayer is that God engulfs you with love as he wraps his everloving arms around you all. May all your memories be treasures to you each in the years to come. Our love & prayers for each of you.
Stephanie Henry Stollenwerck
June 27, 2013 @ 11:58 pm
Sweet Debra,
You have not left our thoughts in recent days. We are so sorry and are praying for you, Zach and Ally and sending so much love your way. Steph, John, Annabel and John John
Max & Fern Welker
June 28, 2013 @ 10:46 am
Debra, we are so sorry for your great loss. You, your children and all the families are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for comfort and that God will put his arms around each of you and keep you strong.
Robin R. Collins
August 1, 2013 @ 9:31 pm
Debra I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.