Billy "Joe" Finley

July 10, 1977 — April 4, 2026

Liberal, KS formally of Goodland, KS

Billy Joe Finley. Picture from Koons-Russell Funeral Home

Billy Joe Finley, 48, resident of Liberal, Kansas passed away April 4, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Joe was born on July 10, 1977, in Wamego, Kansas, then was adopted by Dennie Finley and Sharon (Meek) Finley when he was 3 years old. Joe was one of four children. Before Joe was adopted, he developed cerebral palsy (CP) which affected his muscle coordination and brain development. Despite these challenges he was a very affectionate and loving individual that loved to be around people, observing and helping in any way. He was also able to ride his bike without training wheels, which everyone thought was impossible.

Joe attended Beamgard Learning Center in Atwood, Kansas where they worked with Joe to teach him life skills and even taught him to read a little bit. Joe loved to play basketball and was part of the basketball team there. He also participated in several Kansas Special Olympics events where he received several medals.

Joe then attended high school in Goodland, Kansas and graduated with the class of 1998. After school he thoroughly enjoyed working at the bus barn, helping clean the facility and buses.

Joe eventually moved to Mosaic in Garden City and Liberal, Kansas where he could live more independently. While there, he worked shredding and sorting papers. He enjoyed all the special activities they did like going to the zoo, baseball games, and going out to eat. But he mostly enjoyed the staff that talked to him and helped him out.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Dennie Finley, and his brother Damon Finley.

Surviving Members include his mother Sharon Finley, sister Jeannie (Randy) Topliff of Goodland Kansas and brother Terry (Lori) Finley of Lee’s Summit, MO. Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 17th 2026, at 3:00 PM MT at the Goodland Cemetery.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday April 18th, 2026, at 11:00 AM MT at the First Christian Church in Goodland with Pastor Monika Hunter officiating. Family will start greeting friends at 10:00 AM.

Memorials may be made out to the Billy Joe Finley memorial fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell funeral Home at 211 N Main Ave., Goodland, Kansas 67735.