Woodward, Okla. —
HARLAN VINCENT FINLEY, son of Raymond Wagoner and Pearl Lenora (Culp) Finley, was born October 8, 1924 at Cedardale, Oklahoma in Woodward County. He departed this life on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the Woodward Regional Hospital following a sudden illness. He was 87 years of age.
Harlan attended Cedardale School through the eighth grade and attended Richmond High School where he graduated in 1942. He attended aircraft welding school in Wichita, KS then worked in a shipyard in California until he was drafted into the military. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in France, Germany and Austria. He was honorably discharged in March 3, 1946 and returned to the farm in Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater where he studied automotive and diesel mechanics.
Harlan met Maurine Perkins in 1948 and they were united in marriage August 14, 1949 at the First Christian Church in Seiling. Following his graduation from A&M, they made their home at Cedardale where they raised their two children, Vickie and Keith. In 1950, they formed a farm and ranch partnership with his parents. They raised Hereford cattle and wheat on land settled by ancestors in 1901. While living at Cedardale, they attended the First Christian Church in Seiling where they were active members. In 1990, they moved to Mooreland where they continue to make their home. In 1968, they joined the First United Methodist Church in Mooreland where they faithfully attend.
Due to ill health, Harlan and Maurine spent three winters in Aransas Pass, TX then Quartzsite, AZ the following winters. Harlan enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and traveling. He enjoyed caring for the land and in 1970 was Woodward County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmer of the Year for building terraces, dams and cedar control.
He is survived by his wife, Maurine Finley of Mooreland, his daughter Vickie Schmidt and husband Phil of Seiling, five grandchildren: Sandra Ingram and husband Darrell of Norman, Brian Finley and fiancée Stephanie Czech of Honolulu, HI, Amanda DeGrazia and husband Joe of Ft. Worth, TX, Kelley and Kristine Schmidt both of Weatherford and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Keith June 27, 2005 and a granddaughter, Kapryce Schmidt September 28, 1999.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Mooreland with Pastors Marvin Hudson and Randy Hodgson, officiating. Viewing will be at the church from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in the Cedardale Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cedardale Cemetery or the First United Methodist Church in Mooreland. The Redinger Funeral Home-PO Box 236-Seiling, OK 73663 will serve as custodian of the funds. Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.redingerfuneralhome.com
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