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Bobby Joe Demott, 90, of Knoxville, Tenn., born Nov. 6, 1924, died peacefully on March 5, 2015, with his family by his side. Bob was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, dedicated teacher and researcher, veteran, and loyal servant who valued fellowship and active participation in his community. Bob was born in Linn County, Kan., the fourth child of the late Joe and Ruth Demott. He spent his childhood in Blue Mound, Kan., where he attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1943.
Bob’s service in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 included more than two years in the South Pacific for which he received two battle stars. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in 1949, a Master of Science Degree from the University of Idaho in 1951 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Michigan State University in 1954. Bob taught at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, for three years and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for 33 years until his retirement in 1990.
He published prolifically in scientific journals and authored a textbook on his area of expertise: Milk Processing and Food Composition. Bob received national attention for his development of a process to remove radioactive materials from milk. He was a member of several scientific and professional societies, was elected a fellow in the American Society for the Advancement of Science, and was listed in the American Men and Women of Science.
Bob was a loyal and dedicated Mason who published many articles in national Masonic magazines and authored a book on Freemasonry. He held offices in the Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies, served as editor of a monthly newsletter, librarian, and as Historian of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Bob was made a 33rd Degree Mason in 1985. Bob was a Boy Scout leader, served on the Mayor’s Committee on Civil Defense, and was a member of the Sons of the Revolution. He served as president of the Kentucky-Alabama-Tennessee Association of High Twelve Clubs, president of the local chapter of National Sojourners, and commander of the Heroes of ’76. Bob was an active member of the United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, church school superintendent and as a member of the Governing Board.
Of his many accomplishments in life, Bob was most proud of his large, blended family. He was happiest when surrounded by all the generations during the many gatherings held at the home that he shared with his wife of 36 years, the former Beatrice Smith.
Bob is survived by his wife Bea and her children Judy (Kenny) Mayfield, Donna Atchley, and Steve (Angie) Kidwell; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Bob will be sadly missed by his four siblings, Elberta Evans, Gladys Milsap, Howard (Ernestine) Demott, and Daisy Burrus; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob will be remembered by and held dear in the hearts of his five children, Douglas (Sheila), Jeanette, David, Dennis (Kerry), and Daniel (Libby) Demott; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.highlandmemorialknoxville.com.

OBITUARIES

Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kelly Kehl, age 87, of Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his rural Mound City home.  Kelly was born March 25, 1938, south of Parker, Kan., to Keith (Tom) Emerson Kehl and Helen Edith (Giffin) Kehl. Kelly... [More]

Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kandi Kay Cruse passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 67 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on March 29, 1958, in Colorado Springs, Colo., Kandi’s zest for life and carefree spirit were evident from an early age. She... [More]

Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Jessica Cae Pritchett age 43 of Parker, Kan., died Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Eddy Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie, Kan. ... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

NOTICE:

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Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd. 

Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

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Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private   The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]

Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

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On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]

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SPORTS

Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

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The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]

Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

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Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]

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OBITUARIES POLICY

• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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