FINNEY, ROBERT AND BILLIE (GASTON)
Bob and Billie Finney bought the former Russell Machlan ranch southeast of Mullen, from the Bob and Blaine Runner families in the spring of 1971, and moved to the ranch June 9, 1971. They moved from the ranch south of Seneca where Joe and Teresa Finney now live.
Bob graduated from Seneca High School and attended Creighton University of Omaha. He served in the Navy for four years during World War II and attended school at Texas A&M College Station, Texas for a short time while in the Navy. He served in the African and Pacific Theater, being stationed on Imo Jima when the war ended. He was discharged in January 1946 with the rank of Quartermaster 2nd class.
Billie graduated from Thedford High School and worked in the Citizen State Bank, Thedford, Nebraska for five years, where she held the position of assistant Cashier.
Bob and Billie were married in March 1947 and moved to the Look ranch south of Seneca. In 1954 they bought the Howard Huddle ranch which joined them on the west. They lived on the Look ranch for 24 years.
The couple's children are: Danny Robert born 1948, James Russell born
1952, Douglas Wyatt born 1953, and Helen Ann born 1956. The children attended grade school days at a country school across the road from their home.
Danny graduated from Thedford High School in 1966 and attended Parks School of Business in Denver. He was drafted into the U.S. Army February 1969. He graduated from the U.S. Army School of Finance, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He served ten months in Phu Tai, Vietnam where he was a cashier in the finance office of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. On November 24, 1972 he married Jeanne Kimble of Gordon, and they reside on her mother's ranch, 36 miles southeast of Gordon. They are expecting their first child in December 1986.
Russell graduated from Thedford High School in 1970. He married Patricia Kramer of Stapleton, Nebraska on April 29, 1972. They have two sons, William James born
1973, and Scott Russell born
1975. For several years they resided in Mullen, Russell worked for Kraye Feed and Seed and Pat served as Deputy County Clerk. The boys attended school in Mullen. The family moved to the Hazel Haase ranch northwest of Tryon January 1, 1986. The boys now attend School in Tryon.
Douglas graduated from Mullen School in 1972 and lives on the home ranch with his parents.
Helen graduated from Mullen High School in 1974, and attended Chadron State College. On November 1, 1975 she married Bill Neumeyer of Mullen. They have four daugh-ters, Brandie Ann born 1978, Dee Dee Deanna born 1981, Shar-lie Marie born 1983 and Holly Christine born 1986. They bought a home and live in Mullen. Bill works for Don Mallory Gravel and helping his mother operate Red's Cafe. Brandie attends Mullen Grade School.
Bob and Billie and family have worked to improve the ranch, they put down and irrigation system in 1973, and put up a new steel barn later on, along with making other improvements. They love their ranch and enjoy living in the Mullen community.