Joe Finney

Seneca, NE – Joe E. Finney passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at age 71. Joe was born in North Platte on February 5, 1955, to Hurbert F. and Hazelle (Beguin) Finney. He came home to brother Mike at the ranch south and east of Seneca where he lived his best life.

Joe attended country school across the road from his Uncle Bob. His classmates included his cousins, the Warren’s, Licking’s, and Madron’s. Joe graduated from Thedford High School with the Class of 1973. He was active in football, basketball, and NHSRA in Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, and Bulldogging. He qualified for nationals twice.

After graduation, Joe enrolled at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK, but transferred to Kansas State University in Manhattan, graduating in 1977 with an Ag Education degree. He made many lifelong friends and continued to rodeo.

Joe returned to Seneca joining his parents and brother Mike in Finney Cattle Co. Joe’s work was raising good cattle, but his passion was breeding, breaking, and riding outstanding horses.

Eventually, Joe established Finney Land and Livestock Inc. where he and the kid’s mom raised Tracy and Wade. He continued raising good cattle and excellent horses. A lifelong member of the AQHA, Joe spent hours researching pedigrees, especially “Driftwood”.

Joe spent many hours volunteering for 4-H, youth and high school rodeos. Joe helped many kids over the years and maintained strong friendships through ranch rodeo competitions and judging rodeos. He was known for colorful stories and never-ending supply of jokes. In 2023, Joe was inducted into the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Hurbert and Hazelle.

Joe is survived by his brother Mike and sister-in-law Janel Finney of Seneca, daughter Tracy (Ethan) Mann, son Wade (Jillian) Finney, nephew Aaron (Mollie) Finney, grandchildren Taya, Rory, Nolan, Lucy, and Henry Mann, Beau, Jayden, Dallas, and Lane Finney.

A private family burial will take place at the Seneca Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Memorials are suggested to Seneca Auditorium or Thomas County Fair board.