Obituary of Gary Lee Finke, Sr.

Gary Lee Finke, Sr., 76, passed away at Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, KY after a valiant battle with cancer on February 4, 2025. Born in Covington, KY on November 23, 1948, he was the son of the late Stanley Bernard Finke and Charlotte Faye [Aylor] Finke.

Gary was a proud veteran of both the United States Navy and Air Force, serving aboard the USS Chukawan AO-100 and USS Pawcatuck as a Marine Mechanic 2 during the Vietnam War and later as a Staff Sergeant. After receiving 4 honorable discharges from the service, Gary went to work for and retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail handler and forklift driver. This thoughtful man with a big heart enjoyed telling jokes, cheering on the UK Wildcats and cooking spicy food and homemade --not store bought-- goetta (from a German family recipe only!). Gary loved his “babies” Pancho, Paco, Carmelita, Tequila and Alamo and he was described as both “mom and dad” to his three daughters.

Gary was the beloved daddy of Tonya and Charles Ray Blakeman, Bridget Finke, and Leanne Farmer; treasured papaw to 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; adored uncle to nieces Charlotte Lee England-Clark and Theresa Diane England Scott as well as great-uncle to 10 great nieces, 7 great nephews, 7 great-great nieces, 6 great-great nephews and 1 triple great nephew.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Diane Claudette England.

A visitation will be held for Gary on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM until shortly before the funeral service at 12:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051. He will then be laid to rest with full military honors at Beaver Lick Christian Cemetery, Beaver Lick, KY.

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