DELBERT SAMUEL ‘BERT’ FINNEY

1954 – 2026

Dear Family and Friends, It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Delbert (Bert) Samuel Finney. Born on December 9, 1954, Bert was known to everyone he met as a man of character with many stories—including surviving being struck by lightning at age nine in Great Falls, Montana.

After moving throughout the Western states with his family, Bert settled in Benton, California, in 1966. He graduated from Bishop Union High School in 1973, forming lifelong friendships that became like family. Following high school, he attended a master mechanics school in Bakersfield, specializing in classic cars. He eventually settled back in Benton next to his parents, where he continued his passion for collecting classic cars and built an extensive network of friends across the country.

Bert is survived by his companion and partner of 41 years, Charlotte Johnson; his siblings, Joan (Finney) Statham, David Finney, and Elmer Finney; his daughters, Jennifer Oakes (Timothy Oakes) and Katherine (Katie) Finney; his stepdaughter, Christine Inga; as well as his three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Laura Cisney Finney; a 5 day old brother, and his sister, Nancy.

Services for Bert will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Old Benton Cemetery on Highway 120. A memorial lunch will follow at the Benton Community Center. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share; drinks will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own as well.

Dad’s loss has been and will be felt deeply across all walks of life, and he will be remembered forever.