Alan E. Finke

Alan Eugene Finke, husband, father, grandfather, and devoted public servant to the City of Brenham, passed away into the Lord’s loving embrace surrounded by his family, on Sunday, November 8, 2020. He was 66 years old.

On November 19, 1953 Alan was born to Eugene and Francis Finke in Navasota Texas. Alan had a rich childhood and grew up close to his many cousins. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to camp, fish, and explore. Alan met his soulmate and future wife, Debbie, at the tender age of 11. Their legacy of love began and they grew up together. Alan and Debbie were married on May 24, 1975. They would go on to have three daughters, Amanda, Rachel, and Katy. The Finke household was one of music, laughter, and lots of love.

Alan truly had a servant’s heart and greatly valued his community. He first served as a police officer in Brenham. In 1978 he found his true calling and was hired as a paid fireman. In his later years, he would say that there was nothing quite like hitting the lights and racing to save a home, business, or person. He LOVED it. Determined to better himself, Alan pursued a career path within the Fire Department. He would move through the ranks, and continuing with his Peace Officer’s license, becoming the Deputy Chief Fire Marshall. Alan started and was especially proud of the Fire Prevention Education Program in Brenham. In 1990, Alan become an Arson Investigator and would go on to earn the title of Certified Fire Investigator in 2006. He would serve as President of the International Association of Fire Fighters from 2008-2010. In December of 2015 Alan retired from Brenham Fire Department, having served the people of Washington County for 40 years. Alan and Debbie moved to College Station and he spent the remaining years playing music, riding his motorcycles, meeting friends for weekly breakfasts, and doting on his three grandchildren. After years of service, Alan and Debbie were happy to simply spend their days together.

Alan loved a good joke, a good fire, a good story and song, and a good motorcycle. He loved his friends and enjoyed late night fires around the chiminea where together they would solve all of the world’s problems. Alan’s wit was sharp and his laugh mighty. At heart he was a philosopher, singer-song writer, adventurer, and a truly larger than life man.

For all of his life Alan remained a devoted and loving husband to his wife Debbie, who was always the light of his life. He was a loving father who always provided for his children. Alan enjoyed as special musical bond with his granddaughter Harper, with whom he shared a love of drums and guitar. Alan’s grandson Lincoln brought out his tender heart and he took great pride in Lincoln’s accomplishments. With his last granddaughter, Freya, Alan was playful and the best tickle monster. He loved his family greatly.

Alan was proceded in death by his parents. He is survived by the best companion a man could hope for, his wife, Debbie Finke; daughter Amanda Scott and husband Travis, daughter Rachel Novosad and husband Ryan, daughter Katy Foley and husband Jason; granddaughters Harper Scott and Freya Foley and grandson Lincoln Foley.

Family requests masks and social distancing during visitation and funeral services.

Visitation will be Friday, November 13 from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Services will be held Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m. at the Washington County Event Center.
1305 East Blue Bell Rd., Brenham, TX 77833.

For those unable to attend the service a video recording will be available on the Brenham Fire Department Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Brenham Fire Prevention Program or the Down’s Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley dsabv.org.