Linn County News
Published Jan. 2, 2019
Wayne “Red” McCune of Rich Hill, Mo., passed away on Dec. 27, 2018. Wayne was born on April 19, 1937, in Nevada, Mo., to Virgil Franklin McCune and Jessie (Osborne) McCune. His early years were spent in Nevada before moving to a farm in Walker, Mo., in 1943. He attended high school in Walker and graduated salutatorian with the class of 1955.
Wayne’s graduation was his second date with Wanda Emerson. By Dec. 28, 1958, they were married and remained married for almost 60 years until his death.
Wayne and Wanda made their first home in Eureka, Kan. In building Wayne’s experience in the grocery business, they moved to Emporia, Kan., Nevada, Mo., Springfield, Mo., and finally settled in Rich Hill in 1972.
Wayne started working in the grocery business as a teenager. He managed his first meat department by the age of 20 and his first grocery store by 24. By 1970, Wayne was vice president of Ramey’s – a large grocery chain based in Springfield, Mo. In August of 1972, Wayne and Wanda fulfilled their dream of owning their own store when they bought the Rich Hill store from Fred Marquardt. This is where they would settle with their family, and Wayne would become known as “Red.” Throughout the years, Wayne would own a share of partnership in stores in Golden City, Mo., Lamar, Mo., Butler, Mo., Nevada, Mo., La Cygne, Kan., and Mound City, Kan. (which both began as joint ventures with longtime friends Fred and Billie Lee), and Pleasanton, Kan.
Wayne loved being involved in his community, his church and his country. He was an active member in the Lions Club, spent two years as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and many years as a director on the board of Security Bank of Rich Hill and eventually Citizens Bank. He served as a trustee and deacon for the First Baptist Church for over 25 years. Wayne proudly served in the National Guard, first based at Camp Clark in Nevada, and eventually based at the Springfield Aviation Repair Depot, where he became a helicopter mechanic. Wayne enjoyed telling stories of his time in the National Guard, like when he became a driver for several VIPs or worked as a cook and earned the name “Pepper Red.”
Wayne had a variety of hobbies. He enjoyed traveling and took his family all across the United States. He was an avid water-skier and boater and spent many days on the lake with friends and family. He loved slalom skiing and sharing the experience with others. Wayne’s passion for farming saw him spend many years acquiring and developing land and raising cattle. Hauling hay was a family outing everyone was able to enjoy.
Anyone that knew Wayne knew of his love for cars. He attended auto shows and antique car sales. Throughout the years he acquired several classic cars and won a few trophies in local shows and parades.
One of Wayne’s greatest passions was helping others – whether it was a child having a bad day at the store, an individual a little down on their luck, or someone needing advice or help in their business endeavors. Wayne knew what it took to succeed and gladly shared that knowledge with anyone who wished to do the same.
Wayne loved his family and in later life savored his role as great grandfather. He leaves behind his wife Wanda Sue (Emerson) McCune; a son, Bruce Allen McCune; a daughter, Beth Ann McCune; a granddaughter, Candace LeAnn (McCune) Wilson; and two great grandchildren, Bailie and Bryson. Also surviving is his sister, Joyce Trujillo, of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Wayne was an incredible man who will be greatly missed by his community, his friends and most importantly, his family.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Nevada. Interment was at Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The American Legion Post No. 67 of Rich Hill rendered the military rites.
OBITUARIES
David Howard McNabb, Ph.D. ~ 06-04-1947 to 05-11-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 David Howard McNabb, 76, passed away May 11, 2024 at home in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The son of a farmer, Dave was born June 4, 1947, to Henry and Alice (Jackson) McNabb at Pleasanton. Education and research were always... [More]
Marci Ann Betts ~ 08-06-1973 to 05-09-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 Marci Ann Betts, age 50, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024. She was born on Aug. 6, 1973, in Kansas City, Mo. Marci loved her grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them. She enjoyed being outdoors. She... [More]
Randall Jay “Randy” Crisler ~ 10-03-1961 to 05-09-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 Randall Jay “Randy” Crisler age 62 of Lane, Kan., died Thursday May 9, 2024, at Olathe Medical Center. Randy was born Oct. 03, 1961, in North Kansas City, Mo. He was the eldest of two, born to Larry L. and Janet... [More]
More Obituaries
- Clarence Lee Miller ~ 08-07-1962 to 05-08-2024
- Ruby M. Nielson ~ 01-21-1932 to 04-27-2024
- Patty Conklin ~ 08-31-1932 to 04-26-2024
- Robert “Bob” Eugene Markley ~ 04-11-1936 to 04-15-2024
- Ronald Joe Smith ~ 05-10-1944 to 04-11-2024
- Mary Tinsley ~ 12-15-1935 to 04-09-2024
- Frederick John “Fritz” Johanning, Jr. ~ 08-10-1948 to 03-26-2024
- Doris Maxine Basore ~ 01-02-1920 to 03-10-2024
NEWS
Commissioners hear engineer on Hell’s Bend Bridge
Motion to accept grant funds fails for lack of second Linn County Public Works Administrator Shawn West spoke to Commissioners again this week on the Hell’s Bend bridge project, northwest of La Cygne, noting that a decision needed to be made that day as it was... [More]
Pleasanton pound pups get new kennels
After a warning from the state concerning the condition of Pleasanton’s animal shelter, the city and STARS faculty and students joined forces to create a safer, cleaner environment for dogs held by the city. The new kennels were constructed by STARS welding, construction... [More]
Pleasanton discusses Kansas Police & Fire Pension membership
While trying to hire more police officers, the Pleasanton Council met with KPERS representative Paige Ashley to discuss enrolling the city in Kansas Police and Fire Pension System (KP&F). Ashley explained that the KP&F system is two-tiered as police officers and firemen... [More]
More News
- Commissioners hear reports on Hell’s Bend Bridge
- La Cygne Fire Station ribbon cutting held
- Evergy reps speak about bridges at commissioners’ meeting
- Special: U.S. 69 resurfacing project starts this week
- Special: Governor issues State of Disaster Emergency proclamation for approaching severe weather
- Commissioners hear damage report, declare county as state, local disaster site
- Mayor vetoes vacating 7th Street off of Main
- USD 362 to wait on admin addition
SPORTS
Jayhawk Linn track wins Three Rivers League meet
The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Northeast Arma on May 9 to compete in the Three Rivers League meet. The Hawks were the class of the Three Rivers as both the boys and girls placed first at the meet. The girls placed first with a score of 121 while the boys placed first... [More]
Pleasanton baseball falls in Regional semifinal
The Pleasanton baseball team entered the Central Heights 2-1A Regional tournament as a three seed. The Jays hosted the six seed Jayhawk Linn in their first game on May 8 and won 7-5. The next game was at Central Heights on May 13 where they faced the two seed Crest. This is where... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk and Pleasanton baseball split in double header
- Prairie View softball goes 4-0 against Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk track has a strong performance at home invitational
- Prairie View track takes top two places at Jayhawk
- Pleasanton track has a school record mark set at Jayhawk Invitational
- Prairie View softball goes 4-2 in busy week
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and Oswego
- Jayhawk baseball splits against Southeast Cherokee
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com