Don Harmon Finley, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with Reverend Tommy Anthony officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Born in Wayne County, Mississippi, on June 22, 1934, Don was the son of Samuel Claude Finley and Mae Ollie (Davis) Finley. He lived a life marked by faith, service, and adventure. Don proudly served his country in the Marine Reserves during high school and later in the United States Army. A longtime and devoted member of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in West Orange, he faithfully served as a Deacon and Treasurer and spent many years teaching high school boys’ Sunday School classes. Don dedicated his professional life to DuPont Sabine River Works, where he retired as a Foreman and was part of the pioneering crew responsible for launching the ADN Unit.
Don was an avid hunter with a particular fondness for deer hunting. He loved telling stories and often joked that he wasn’t sharing them for his audience’s benefit, but for his own. He was a devoted reader and enjoyed playing computer games. Even in his late 70’s, he proved his adventurous spirit, taking part in a tandem skydive and rafting.
Affectionately known as “Grandpa Don” by his two grandchildren, Don cherished his family deeply. He was devoted to his wife, Katherine, sharing over 50 years of marriage with the love of his life before her passing in 2009.
Don is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Sharon Finley and Suzanne Barlow and her husband Michael. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Randi Macnair and Brandon Macnair; his nephew, Leslie Ross and his wife Sharon; his niece, Karla Ross Small and her husband Eric; and numerous other loving family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katherine Smith Finley; his parents, Samuel Claude and Mae Ollie Finley; his sister, Dianne Ross; and his niece, Shannon Ross.
Serving as pallbearers will be Leslie Ross, Eugene Crocker, James Crocker, Mark Waller, Sam Ross, and Brandon Macnair.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, 104 Broad Street, Orange, Texas 77630.
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