John Howard Finley of Alpine, Texas, passed away Monday, March 25, in El Paso, Texas, at 87 years old. John was born on December 12, 1936, in Marfa, Texas, to Mae Howard and Merrit Finley. He will be forever remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Recalling his childhood, he described it as wild and free. He was full of stories of mischief. He often told his grandsons of days filled with horseback riding along the river near Presidio and swimming the day away –– he said back then he stayed as bare-backed as his horse in case the opportunity to jump in presented itself. He recalled riding his donkey all over Marfa and later on racing cars and chasing rabbits with his friends. He got himself in plenty of trouble but somehow avoided even more. He said there were only two rules you absolutely didn’t break and that was to not be late for dinner and don’t sass your momma.
On January 13, 1957, he married the love of his life, Ethelene Roberts, and they embarked on a whole new adventure. Together they built a family and a legacy to be proud of. John was just as loyal to his career as he was to his family, working for Southwestern Bell telephone and retiring after 42 years of dedicated service. He was a very outgoing man who was always glad you got to see him. He was an avid sportsman known for participating in Mountain Man Rendezvous and contest, hiking, fishing and hunting. He was heavily involved in the annual Bloys Camp Meeting and was overjoyed to share that love with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
John was very passionate and outspoken about his faith in Jesus Christ, he never missed a chance to bring a friend or family member to a prayer meeting. He and his wife were members of Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Alpine, Texas.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Marzee Mickelson, and his grandson Justin Walker.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ethelene Finley; his oldest son John Finley Jr. and wife Nell of Alpine, Texas; his son James Finley and partner John Sternlicht of Anacortes, Washington; his son Ronnie Finley and wife Colleen of Nampa, Idaho; and daughter Tammy Walker of Alpine, Texas.
He had 14 grandchildren: Carlton Finley, Jeremy Sternlicht, David Sternlicht, Miles Walker, Alex Bustilos, Leslie Robinson, Naomi McElroy, Penny Walker, David Finley, Clayton Walker, Rachel Finley, Rebecca Finley, John Walker and Daniel Finley, along with their husbands, wives and children, including 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship church in Alpine, Texas on March 30, 2024, at 10 a.m.