Don Finnegan

Don Finnegan died peacefully at home in Lees Summit, Missouri, on Saturday, August 24, 2019.

He was born May 9, 1956 in Ames, Iowa the 6th child of Mildred (Miller) Finnegan and Eugene Finnegan. He became the first Ames High School underclassmen to win a state wrestling championship in 1973 and the sixth state title winner in its history.  In 2011, he was inducted into the Ames High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Don stayed at Ames to attend Iowa State University (ISU) where he earned 4 letters in wrestling. He was a member of the 1977 NCAA Championship team, won his weight class for the Big 8 Conference in 1979, and was awarded All American honors that same year.

Don graduated from ISU in 1979 with a B.S. degree in Business and moved to California, where he was hired by now Enterprise Holdings, Inc.  Armed with great work ethics, integrity and passion, he worked his way through the ranks and transferred to the Corporate Office in St. Louis in 2000. He concluded his stellar 36.5 year career there retiring as Vice President of Operations in April 2017, due to ill health.

While in California, Don committed to what he considered the two most important decisions in one’s life. First, to make Jesus Christ not only His Savior but the Lord of His life. Second, to marry the love of his life, Linabelle Cruz, on August 6, 1994. Following and supporting his four daughters in gymnastics, cheerleading, choir and theater programs filled his free time. He also found time to take his family on mission trips as well as donating his time and resources on activities that will matter even after this lifetime.

Don was known for his positive outlook, strong work ethic, generosity, loyalty, and most importantly his devotion and faithfulness to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He instilled godly values to all he came into contact with, and prayed with anyone who had a need.

Survivors include his wife, Linabelle, and daughters: Hannah, Sarah, Jennah, and Aleah all in Lee’s Summit. Other survivors include his siblings: Kathleen (Larry) Moller, Mary (John) Leek, Tom Finnegan, Theresa Finnegan, Elaine Finnegan, loving nephews and nieces, 2 paternal aunts, along with many cousins.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 30th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Longview Funeral Home, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31st from 9:30 – 10:30 am, with the funeral services beginning at 10:30 am, all at Abundant Life Church, 304 SW Persels Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. Interment will follow services at Longview Cemetery. A reception will follow at approximately 1:00 pm at Abundant Life Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to our Finnegan Education Fund or the ABBA Helps Non-Profit Organization. You can give via check or PayPal gift to dfinn777@yahoo.com.

Don’s favorite song & favorite verse:

“Even If by Mercy Me

“They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't   My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
to move a mountain  Good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You're able
I know You can

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't , My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't

My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)  “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”