J. Douglas Finley

J. Douglas Finley, 61, of Colby, died Friday, February 10, 2017 in Kansas City, KS. He was born March 10, 1955, in Atwood, KS, to John and Doris (Luedke) Finley. Doug graduated from Atwood High School in 1974 and then received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work, from the University of Kansas. He was a Social Worker for the Northwest Kansas Education Service Center, Colby Public Schools, Atwood Public Schools as well as other schools in the area, and maintained a private counseling practice. Doug was very devoted to his work and dedicated to helping others, especially children. On June 5, 1976, Doug married Donna Phelps, at the United Methodist Church in Atwood and to this union two sons were born, Christopher Neil and Cole Douglas. Doug was a member of the Colby United Methodist Church. He had been actively involved in Lions, Genesis Food Bank, the Kansas Association of School Social Workers where he served as president, and in many community activities. He was instrumental in starting the Big Brother, Big Sister Program in Thomas County. Doug led many parent support/education groups and was a continual advocate for all children.

Doug’s family was very important to him, especially, his sons, Fur and Cole. He enjoyed watching them play golf and basketball and every activity they participated in. Doug took great delight in listening to them talk about what was going on in their lives. He was extremely proud of them. Doug was passionate about his alma mater, the University of Kansas. He really enjoyed attending KU basketball and football games and discussing sports with his sons.

He was preceded in death by his father and brothers, Kevin and Stephen.

Doug is survived by his wife Donna, of Colby; sons, Fur (Katrina) Finley, of Kansas City, KS and Cole Finley, of Lawrence, KS; mother Doris Finley, of Atwood; brothers, Larry Finley, of Atwood and Brad (Laurie) Finley, of Olathe, KS; sisters-in-law, Karin Finley and Anita Finley, both of Atwood; brothers--in-law, Gary Phelps of Las Vegas, and Brent Phelps of Houston, and sister-in-law Donna Hurst Phelps of Houston, in-laws, Don and Maxine Phelps of Atwood, and nieces, nephews and friends.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Colby United Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to the Colby United Methodist Church or the Genesis Food Bank of Colby, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com