thumb

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

Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025

thumb

Linn County News Published July 23, 2025   Jean Driskell, age 82, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, July 18, 2025.   Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation... [More]

Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025

thumb

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Burton Clyde Brownback, age 72, Tri-Ko resident in Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Clyde and Shirley Drake Brownback. He graduated from Prairie View... [More]

Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025

thumb

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025   Ruth Ann Antrim, formerly Hueston, passed away July 7, 2025, after bravely battling cancer for many years. Ruth Ann was 74 years old. She lived and worked in the Mound City and Fort Scott, Kan., areas her... [More]

More Obituaries

View All Obituaries
PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County

thumb

A Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) resurfacing project on U.S. 69 in Linn County will begin the week of July 28. The project will resurface U.S. 69 with ultrathin bonded asphalt for just over 7 miles from Pleasanton to just north of... [More]

Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion

thumb

The majority of heated discussion came at the end of the Pleasanton City Council meeting Monday night during council discussion when Council people Bill Skipper and Angelina Randall squared off concerning the recent ISO inspection that occurred at the fire department. Skipper... [More]

La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral

thumb

Ad valorem revenue will decrease by almost $16,600, levy by over 7.6 mills   The city of La Cygne will not only be revenue neutral but actually below neutral on its 2026 municipal budget. That was the report from Jodi Wade, city clerk, at last Wednesday’s regular... [More]

More News

SPORTS

Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

thumb

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]

Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

thumb

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.

More Sports

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

View Legals for Free Business Directory