LEON BOBBY FININEN

Leon Fininen, beloved husband, father and longtime resident of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 at the age of 91.

Leon was born on October 13, 1934, in Thrall, Texas (Williamson County), to the late Bessie Mae Fininen and Lishious Williams. He was raised in McKinney, Texas, by his grandparents Lottie Jackson Fininen and Ed Fininen where he attended Dotty High School. At just 18 years old, Leon answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army.

Over the course of a distinguished 23-year military career, Leon rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He served two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam, demonstrating courage, discipline, and leadership. During peacetime, he played semi-pro football for Army in the position of linebacker. While stationed in Europe, he ran an officer club, was a drill sergeant on the base, and coached a high school team to a championship. His love of football and sports continued throughout his life.

His commitment to service did not end with his military retirement. Leon continued to invest in others through his work at the Job Corps in McKinney, where he mentored and guided young people as they discovered their own paths forward. He later served as a security training officer at Texas Instruments, bringing the same integrity and dedication to his civilian career. A proud and dedicated Freemason, Leon carried the principles of brotherhood, service, and leadership throughout his life, quietly living out those values in both word and deed.

Faith was a cornerstone of Leon’s life. He served for many years as a deacon at First Baptist Church in McKinney, a church with deep family roots—co-founded by his grandfather, Ed Fininen. There, Leon was especially known for his rich, resonant voice and his love of singing. In later years, he continued his faith journey as a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas.

Leon was known by many names—“Sarge,” “LB,” “Fin,” “Daddy,””Coach”, and “Papa”—each one reflecting a different facet of the man so many loved and respected. No matter what you called him, his presence, wisdom, and strength left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Leon also found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—especially a good meal (on a big platter) shared with family and friends. He and his wife, Queenie, created a home that was always open, always welcoming, and always filled with family, laughter and something delicious on the table.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Queenie Fininen; his children, Bobby Fininen, Annette Fininen, and Veronica Lane (John Lane); and stepchildren, Audrey Johnson, Andrea Myles (Jesse Myles), Valerie Matthews Thompson (Vincent Thompson), Kenneth Matthews, and Terrance Matthews. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin Morgan (Ida Morgan), along with a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward. Leon was preceded in death by his sister, Maude Ester Fininen, both of his parents, his daughter Teresa Fininen-Green and stepdaughter Terri Matthews.

Funeral Services

The viewing (noon-6 pm) and a wake (6-7pm) will be held on April 9th at Golden Gate Funeral Home 4155 S. R.L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas, TX, 75224 .

A funeral service to celebrate Leon's life will be held on April 10th at 11:00am at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located at 4360 Kolloch Dr., Dallas, TX 75216. Burial will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX, 75211 .

In lieu of live flowers, plants or a donation made in Leon’s memory to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church are welcome.