Floyd T. Finnegan, 96, passed away peacefully at his home on May 22, 2013. With him on his final journey was his family whom were his devoted caregivers.
Floyd was born February 5, 1917, to Thomas and Dora (Boone) Finnegan in Helena, Montana. He was a lifelong resident of Helena where he spent a long and fulfilling life. He always had a story to tell his family about his childhood memories of summers spent at Seeley Lake with his best friend Bud McLeod. There were also tales of his adventures on horseback while working on ranches in his youth. His prize possession was his ranch in the Helena valley that he shared with his family.
After enlisting in the Montana Army National Guard, Floyd was placed on active duty beginning March 12, 1940. During his period of service, he married Frances Spaulding on November 12, 1942. He attended pilot school and graduated as a glider pilot from South Plains Army Airfield in Lubbock Texas on June 15, 1944. After advanced glider pilot training in Maxton Field, North Carolina he shipped overseas with the U.S. Army 441st Troop Carrier Group 99th Troop Carrier Squadron. He served oversees in France and Germany and returned to the Montana National Guard on November 12, 1945. He was then commissioned in the National Guard of the United States as a Second Lieutenant on November 10, 1947. Floyd returned to active duty on September 21, 1950 with the Selective Service, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and retired in 1971. After retirement, he went to work for the Montana Department of Livestock as a local stock inspector, providing brand inspections to farmers and ranchers throughout the Helena area.
A person typically completes many accomplishments throughout their lives; however, it is how they touch the hearts of the ones they come across along the way that has the ultimate meaning. Floyd was the person we all strive to be. He brought something special to every life he touched. He was a role model, a teacher, and a smiling face that would light up any room he entered. He would provide a laugh or a shoulder to cry on for anyone in need. Floyd was the man sitting in the café with whom a stranger immediately felt comfortable enough to share his inner thoughts and soon most likely they had struck up a new friendship. He was the man that knew every waitress and store checker by name, always asking about the happenings in their lives. When Floyd asked someone how they were doing, it wasn’t just something to say in passing. He touched every life with whom he came in contact. Anyone who was lucky enough to have met him has their own special memory that will stay in their hearts forever.
Floyd is survived by his daughter, Colleen (Wes) Kesterson of the Swan Valley; son, Turf (Dixie) Finnegan of Helena; granddaughters, Jennifer (Seth) Carlson, Ashley (Scott) Eichhorn of Helena and Charleen Kesterson of Missoula; and great-grandsons, Joseph Moderie and Reece Sickels of Missoula. He was preceded in death by his wife Frankie, his parents, infant son, Tod, sisters Marie Thom and Virginia Taylor, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Floyd will always be known for his quick wit, his generosity and sincerity and will be sorely missed by all. If desired, memorials may be sent to Frontier Home Health and Hospice (800 Front Street, Helena MT 59601) or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
The funeral service will be held at 11:30 on Wednesday, May 29, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funderal Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, after the reception. To offer condolences to the family or to share memories of Floyd please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Wednesday May 29, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Bill & Sue Thode says
We will surely miss his laugh, joy, and optimism for life. Floyd brought such happiness to our family throughout the years. Good friends are to be cherished.
Larry Petty says
With sincere sympathy. Wishing you peace at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack Hartnett says
Floyd and I were in the 8th grade together and later Floyd was the best man at my wedding.
His wife, Frankie, and I worked together at Jorud’s Photo Shop.
I have fond memories of both of them..