*To view the recording of Dr. Finkenbinder's memorial service, click here. Dr. Leo Russell Finkenbinder, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, university professor, and biologist passed away on August 8, 2023. His memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene / Main Sanctuary. Leo was well known for his love of this world we live in. He believed we were all created to be stewards of our Earth and that all the wonders the Earth had to reveal were a gift from God. Leo always shared his sense of awe and wonder with his family, friends, students, and strangers and that led to a meaningful and extraordinary life. Leo was born November 1, 1940, to Albert Leo and Lola Violet (Baldwin) Finkenbinder in Syracuse, Kansas. Leo was raised on the family farm and ranch where he developed his love of Gods creation. He was a graduate of Syracuse High School, Northwestern Oklahoma State University (BS), Oklahoma State University (MS), and the University of Oklahoma (Ph.D.). He taught at Keyes High School 1963-67, Southern Nazarene University 1968-2003, and Olivet Nazarene University 2007-2017. In 1981, SNU biology majors took a field trip to Costa Rica. Little did they know this trip would set in motion what was to become his lifetime passion for Costa Rica and the Resplendent Quetzal where he became the founding director of the Quetzal Education Research Center in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Together with his wife Zana, they managed thousands of students, visitors, and research scientists at the QERC as well as overseeing the construction of the QERC buildings. They continued to coordinate trips to Costa Rica well into retirement. Leo was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Albert and Lola; cherished sister, Wanda May Stallings; in-laws, Olin "Buck" and Zelma Lynam; brothers-in-law, Kip Lynam and Dale Lynam; and sister-in-law, Carol (Rich) Lynam. Leo is survived by his wife of 63 years, Zana Kay, who was his high school sweetheart. His three children and their families include daughters, Zonda Martin and husband Scott, Lana Lambkin; and son, Timothy and wife Laurie; and their families. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Natasha (David) Edwards, Cody (Diana) Lambkin, Rachel (Rob) Gering, Emily (Jordan) Stanfill, Toby (Emily) Lambkin, Zach (Logan) Martin, and Zane Finkenbinder; ten great-grandchildren, Hunter, Emelia, Sophie, Rex, Elliott, Max, Graham, Zoey, Eilee, and Teddy; three brothers and their wives, Darl (Lynn), Art (Irene), and Bill (Amy); brother-in-law, Richard Lynam; and sister-in-law, Ellen (Loyd) Richardson. Leo was so happy to have had one last reunion with his brothers just a couple of weeks before his death. He loved them so much. Leo also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who thought Uncle Leo was the best. He also had a huge extended family of cousins, friends, and relatives who will miss him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southern Nazarene University/Leo Finkenbinder Science Scholarship or to Olivet Nazarene University Catalyst Organization/Leo Finkenbinder Scholarship. The links are: Southern Nazarene University https://www.snu.edu/give/ Gift designation: Other - other designation - Leo Finkenbinder Science Scholarship Olivet Nazarene University https://giving.olivet.edu/donate - designation: Catalyst ONU, Comments: Leo Finkenbinder Scholarship To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Leo Russell Finkenbinder, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Memorial Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Monday, August 28, 2023 10:00 AM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008 Service will be live-streamed at www.bethanynaz.org/live