Darryle Lee Finch

Darryle Lee Finch, 80, of Muskogee, OK found peace on March 17, 2017. Born August 28, 1936 to Otho Finch and Lydia (Kinsey) Finch of Keota, OK. He attended school through the 8th grade in a one room school house in Kanima, OK. He graduated from Keota High School in 1954. He went on to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK. Upon completion of his Associates Degree, he attended NSU, where he played baseball, and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1958. Darryle then went on and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. Early on in his career he worked for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, serving in several locations throughout the state. In 1966, he began his career at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Darryle’s passion for the veterans he served was evident in his almost 40 years of federal service. He rarely took a sick day or vacation and he often took phone calls at home after hours. He was admired by all who worked for him. While working at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, he met and fell in love with Shirley Barricks. They were married on December 12, 1969 and made their home in Muskogee, OK. They were married over 47 years. They were blessed with a daughter and a son. Darryle was very involved in his children’s clubs and sports throughout their school career. Darryle had a love for music and began his singing career in high school and continued in college. In 1976, he joined the Good News Quartet, singing southern gospel music as they ministered weekly to churches throughout eastern Oklahoma. The quartet had a radio program airing Sunday mornings until 1989. They made their first recording in 1976, and made over 20 albums during his 30 years with the quartet. Due to his failing health, he had to make the difficult decision to retire from singing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otho and Lydia Finch; and his brother, Jim Finch. Darryle is survived by his wife, Shirley of Muskogee; his daughter, Lee Ann Gibson and her husband David of Broken Arrow; his son, Scott Finch and his wife Tracy of Broken Arrow; one granddaughter, Lydia Finch; two grandsons, Cody and Tristan Gibson; one great grandson, Braden Gibson; Two aunts, Bernice Bisby and Lois Kinsey both of Stigler; and numerous cousins. His family will receive friends 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. A celebration of Darryle’s life will be 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Grandview Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Stigler, OK. Pallbearers will be Scott Finch, David Gibson, Tristan Gibson, James Bisby, Donnie Sawyer and Mike McElreath.

Darryle Lee Finch

August 28, 1936 - March 17, 2017