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
Bonnie Faye Bishop ~ 03-25-1949 to 04-22-2025

Linn County News Published April 30, 2025 Bonnie Faye Bishop, age 76, Olathe, Kan., passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She was born on March 25, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of William and Imogene Krueger Carter. After graduating from high... [More]
Lois A. Murray ~ 11-03-1931 to 04-20-2025

Linn County News Published April 30, 2025 Lois A. Murray, age 93, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Overland Park, Kan. Lois was born the daughter of Arlie and Winifred Stanhope Poindexter on Nov. 3, 1931, near Drexel, Mo.... [More]
Dr. Howard F. Wilson ~ 02-05-1938 to 04-20-2025

Linn County News Published April 23, 2025 Dr. Howard F. Wilson, age 87, of Garnett, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan. Howard Frank Wilson was born on Feb. 5, 1938, in Garden City, Mo. He was the... [More]
More Obituaries
- Anna Louise Stites ~ 09-27-1946 to 04-13-2025
- Sandra Kay “Sandy” Crooks ~ 01-08-1949 to 04-13-2025
- Richard Lee Keaton ~ 01-29-1935 to 04-05-2025
- Linda Ann Pruitt ~ 05-08-1953 to 04-07-2025
- Ira “Sonny” Ray Caruthers, Jr. ~ 05-23-1955 to 04-02-2025
- Michelle Lynn Young ~ 05-20-1967 to 04-04-2025
- Phyllis Sybil Colbert ~ 11-23-1935 to 03-28-2025
- Joseph Francis “Mr. Joe” Cunningham ~ 03-17-1967 to 03-31-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: Legislative Update

April 18, 2025 Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act, SB 9, prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing property within 100 miles of a military installation and any foreign adversary ownership of non-residential real property purchased prior to July 1, 2025,... [More]
16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed

Late Wednesday afternoon, April 16, orders were filed dismissing all 16 current cases on file in Linn County District Court concerning the Tanglewood Lake gate incident, 14 of which were filed against separate individuals that stemmed from the incident in May 2023. According... [More]
Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county

During the April 21 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jason Hightower reported to his fellow board members that he had met with the Tanglewood Lake board president and a resident the previous week and noted that they wanted a resolution or motion that clarified if the roads are... [More]
More News
- Commission workshop hears of justification for SEKMHC CEO $600,000 salary
- La Cygne police get automatic plate readers
- Notice
- Public comment results in allegations of unethical behavior
- Parker reinstates local policing
- Two charged following vehicular incident in Parker
- Pleasanton approves zoning request
- La Cygne leaders talk future street improvements
SPORTS
Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Pleasanton on April 15 for the Pleasanton Invitational. The Hawks did very well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams won the meet. The girls won with a score of 188 points while the boys won with a score of 127 points. There were... [More]
Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational

The Pleasanton track team hosted their home invitational on April 15. The Jays did well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams placed in the top three out of nine teams. The boys were second with 92 points while the girls were third with 107.5 points. “It was... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season
- Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational
- Prairie View softball falls in league contest to Iola
- Prairie View softball drops close games against Santa Fe Trail
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee and Marmaton Valley
- Jayhawk softball splits against Central Heights
- Prairie View softball starts season 3-1
- Pleasanton baseball opens season 2-2 against Oswego and Crest
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

