Linn County News
Published November 13, 2024
Russell (Rusty) Alan Taylor went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at his home in Pittsburg, Kan., at the age of 58 years, 2 months and 18 days.
Russell was born August 19, 1966, to Hubert Adam Taylor, Jr. and Sharon Joyce (Gregg) Taylor. Russell attended elementary and junior high school in Urich and Lee’s Summit, Mo., transferring to Pleasanton, Kan., for high school where he graduated in 1984.
He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in his youth. In his teens and young adult life, he was active at First Baptist Church of Pleasanton. Upon moving to Pittsburg, he attended Christ Community Church for several years, then transferred to South Broadway Baptist Church, remaining there until his death.
In high school, Russell enjoyed participating in band, football, track and basketball (affectionately earning the title Wrong Way Rusty). After high school, he was involved in the ROTC program while attending Pittsburg State University. In 1989, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves.
In January 2001, Russell married Sue Ouderkirk. Russell adored his two stepdaughters, Brittany and Lauren, amused by their many antics. The family was blessed with a son, Anthony (Tony) Hubert Taylor, in 2002. Tony was the apple of Russell’s eye. His life from that point on focused on being a wonderful father to Tony, with his most important goal being for Tony to grow up with a love for Jesus. When Tony passed away in July of 2019, Russell knew in his heart that Tony was home with the Lord, which was his greatest comfort as he adjusted to life without him. There’s never been a more proud and devoted father.
Russell was a dedicated KC Chiefs and Royals fan, rarely missing a televised game with his beloved dachshund, Casey, by his side. Russell and Tony exchanged much good-natured ribbing over their opposing favorite teams. Russell was also a staunch Republican. We can all be assured he is rejoicing in heaven over the recent presidential election.
Russell worked in sales for many years in and around Pittsburg and Pleasanton. At the time of his death, he was a warranty sales consultant at Metro Appliances in Joplin, Mo. The Metro family would attest to Russell’s competitive nature. Whether it was having the top sales in warranties or picking the winning football teams for the week, he always wanted to be the “top dog.” He will be missed.
Russell is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Hubert Taylor; his father, Hubert Adam Taylor, Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Hubert and Virginia Taylor, Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Harold and Carol Gregg.
He is survived by his mother, Sharon Joyce (Gregg) Akins of Bolivar, Mo.; stepdaughters Brittany Smith and Lauren Henson (Michael), all of Pittsburg, Kan.; stepmothers, Cindy Dawson (Randall) of Mound City, Kan., and Jackie Taylor of Pleasanton, Kan.; brothers Richard Gregg (Jodie) of Fair Play, Mo.; Charles Taylor (Barbara) of Harrisonville, Mo.; Chad Taylor of St. Robert, Mo.; Kyle Walker (Berenice) of Gladstone, Mo.; sisters Katherine Gupton of Phoenix, Ariz. and Teresa Fry (David) of Mountain Grove, Mo.; several aunts and uncles, seven step-grandchildren, and 19 nieces and nephews.
Russell is also survived by his close friends John and Suezette Fleske, and children, who have been ever present, loving, and helpful to him throughout his good times and rough times. Russell was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Russell will be cremated under the direction of Midland Cremation Society of Joplin. Interment will be at a later date at Fisher Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kan.
A celebration of life will be held at South Broadway Baptist Church, 1322 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kan. 66762 on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tony Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by South Broadway Baptist Church.
OBITUARIES
Mary Lou Cox ~ 01-31-1937 to 10-29-2024
Linn County News Published November 13, 2024 Mary Lou Cox, 87, of Independence, Mo., passed away on Oct. 29, 2024, peacefully at her daughter’s home. She was born Jan. 31, 1937, to Marion L. and Vianna Elizabeth Wallace Callahan in Deepwater, Mo. She was... [More]
Larry Gene Bloomfield ~ 07-08-1952 to 11-06-2024
Larry Gene Bloomfield, age 72, Prescott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial in the Prescott Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m.... [More]
Carol Louise Chinn ~ 11-13-1959 to 10-22-2024
Linn County News Published October 30, 2024 Carol Louise Chinn, age 64, of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away at her home on Oct. 22, 2024. No services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
More Obituaries
- Erma Lorene Lovewell ~ 01-07-1935 to 10-25-2024
- Rhonda Diane Vanwinkle ~ 10-09-1961 to 09-28-2024
- Kathryn “Irene” Holsman ~ 12-25-1928 to 10-18-2024
- Tate Anthony West ~ 11-21-1968 – 10-11-2024
- Betty June Millard ~ 12-05-1933 to 10-11-2024
- Allan “Al” Lee Miller ~ 06-25-1937 to 10-11-2024
- Leota Jean Lile ~ 10-08-1940 to 10-03-2024
- Richard L. Marsh ~ 05-12-1944 to 09-29-2024
NEWS
La Cygne, Linn Valley reignite water talks
Talks between La Cygne and Linn Valley centering on Linn Valley’s water distribution system project got a jump start Oct. 29. As reported at last Wednesday’s regular La Cygne council meeting, results of that day’s meeting include Linn Valley’s schedule... [More]
Jayhawk Linn educators recognized for their efforts
USD 346 recently announced that Kim Boehm and Christa Holt had been selected as Teacher of the Year for their respective buildings within the district. Superintendent Shawn Thomas explained, “As a part of our strategic plan, we wanted to make sure that we celebrated the... [More]
Kansas Supreme Court Justices visit county high schools
Pleasanton High School seniors, juniors and criminal justice students from STARS were invited to what USD 344 Superintendent Don Epps described as “an extreme honor to be selected by Justice Dan Biles” for the visit. The Kansas Supreme Court seven justices... [More]
More News
- Clerk, chair report on heavy election turnout
- Veterans Day events
- Commissioners hear report from Road Operations on 900 Road project
- Town hall leads to proposal changes
- Parker will consider quotes next week
- Drought conditions speed harvest, pose livestock issues
- Pleasanton landowner to city: provide services or deannex
- Commissioners hire new Road Operations Manager
SPORTS
Prairie View football defeats Columbus to move to the sectional round of the playoffs
The Prairie View Buffalo football team hosted their second game of the 3A football playoffs this past Friday, Nov. 8, as the Buffalos faced the Columbus Titans in the Regional round. The winner of this game advanced to the sectional round which features the top eight football... [More]
Prairie View football advances to Regional round of 3A playoffs
The Prairie View football team hosted Iola in the first round of the 3A playoffs on Nov. 1. Prairie View played Iola the week before in the final game of the regular season. They defeated Iola 49-30 in that game and the Buffalos were victorious in this game as they won 49-14.... [More]
More Sports
- Allen leads Lady Buffs at State cross country
- Jayhawk cross country, boys and girls, heading to State
- Lady Buffs cross country team earns place at State as runner-up at Regional
- Jays spook Erie, move on to McLouth
- Prairie View volleyball advances to 3A Sub-State
- Jayhawk volleyball advances to the 3A Sub-State bracket
- Pleasanton football picks up big win against Uniontown
- Wade makes State golf for the Buffalos
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com