By Jackie Taylor | April 12, 2022

Former Sheriff Paul Filla passes away

Many kind words were spoken Monday by elected officials and others following word that former Sheriff Paul Filla passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening.

Following a prayer for comfort for Filla’s wife, Lynne, County Commissioner Rick James told attendees, “Paul Filla, former county sheriff – as well as chief of police, and more importantly to me, U.S. Marine for over 25 years – passed away.

He continued that “our hearts and prayers go out to Lynne and his family.”

The county will be following protocol with the Governor’s Office to be able to lower flags to half-staff.

AMR Operations Manager Capt. Galen Anderson gave condolences to the family of Paul Filla stating, “We worked side-by-side with Mr. Filla for years. He was a friend, and it is a great loss.”

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement that said, “The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to hear of the passing of Sheriff Paul Filla. Sheriff Filla served in law enforcement beginning in 2001 as a deputy sheriff; he served in that capacity until January 2009 when he was appointed as the La Cygne, Kan., chief of police in the spring of 2009. Sheriff Filla was then elected to the office of the Linn County Sheriff and began his term on Jan. 14, 2013; Sheriff Filla proudly served until his retirement in September of 2019. Sheriff Filla touched many lives throughout his career and was considered a friend and mentor to all. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Sheriff Filla was a proudly serving U.S. Marine; he brought a vast amount of leadership to his position as a law enforcement officer. Sheriff Filla will be sadly missed by all at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. We offer our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

La Cygne Mayor Debra Wilson said,”On behalf of the City of La Cygne, I would like to express our condolences to the family of Paul Filla. Paul served as the Police Chief for our community from 2010 until 2012. He performed his duties to the fullest and held in his heart the best interests of the citizens of our community at all times. We were thankful to have had the opportunity for Paul to represent our city Police Department. He will be sorely missed!”

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 15, at the Rinehart Christian Church, Richards, Mo. Burial service will be 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church or the Mound City American Legion Post, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box J, Mound City, Kan. 66056.