Jerry L. Finley, 72, died June 28, 2018. He was born in Mtn. Grove, MO on August 1, 1945 to Joe and Frances Finley. Jerry graduated from Mtn. Grove High School in 1963, and from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1968. He married Jeanne Fowler on August 28, 1965, and they settled in Springfield, MO in 1976. Jerry began his career with the USDA in college, and retired after 44 years, the last 20 as Director of Rural and Economic Development. He was raised as a Master Mason in Gate of the Temple Lodge #422 on March 13, 1999, and inducted into Abou Ben Adhem Temple the same year. He was a member of the Greeters and of the Order of Quetzalcoatl, and was the Camaxtli of Teocalli #89. He was a member of Elks Lodge #409, and was secretary/treasurer of Springfield Bass Club. Jerry was predeceased by Jeanne, his wife of 44 years, and his grandson Sean Preece. He is survived by his children, Cindy Northcutt, son and daughter-in-law Doug and Julie Finley, grandson Connor Finley, sister Barbara McCaslin and nephews Shane Glor, Shannon and Jenny Glor and children Alexandra, Kassandra, and Fisher, brother-in-law Bob Fowler and wife Marti, and his beloved companion, Susie Blevins. Visitation will be Thursday, July 5 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 3:00 pm to 4:00 with services following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the charity of your choice.