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Linn County News

Published January 11, 2023

Dr. Joseph James Bailey, Jr., age 87, of Centerville, Kan., passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Trustwell Living at Mission Springs in Mission, Kan.

Joe was born on Nov. 21, 1935, at Garnett, Kan., he was the first of three children born to Joseph J. Bailey and Lola Maxine (Cusick) Bailey. Joe graduated from Garnett High School in 1954 and Kansas State University with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1961. Joe returned to Garnett following his graduation, where he practiced mixed animal veterinary medicine. After a career-ending neck injury, Joe moved his family to Bozeman, Mont.

While everyone else was in school, Joe perfected the art of making biscuits and sourdough, but he failed miserably at his attempts to make yogurt. As a life-long learner, he studied geology, paleontology, archeology, and he enjoyed sharing that knowledge. In 1980 Joe returned to Kansas, moving to the farm near Centerville, where he raised registered Gelbviegh cattle. Joe continued to help guide and outfit hunting trips in the Maroon Bells of Colorado and the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. 

Joe loved to share a good story. Sometimes, the listeners were challenged to sort out fact from fiction, but the story was always good. Joe was generous with his time, volunteering for many community groups and projects and serving on several local boards. He founded an outreach group for veterinary professionals struggling with addiction. Joe was a lifelong collector, collecting numerous vehicles, rocks, books, pets and lifelong friends. Joe never met an animal he didn’t like, and that could be observed in the way he cared for countless stray dogs and cats to the retired pack horses that he gave refuge to.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sr. and Lola Bailey. 

He is survived by his three children, Brenda Bailey of Jonesboro, Ark., Andrew J. Bailey and his wife, Linda Backstrom of Prairie Village, Kan., and Janet Bailey, DVM, of Tucson, Ariz.; six granddaughters, Courtney Pope, Haley Thyng, Ramona Bailey, Erin Bailey, Andrea Williams-Vestal, and Ashley Bailey; four great-grandsons; brother, Ed Bailey of Sebring, Fla.; and sister, Eileen Sandburg and husband, Mark, of Houston, Texas; and his cousins, with whom he cherished their monthly dinners together. Joe was blessed with the best neighbor anyone could want, over the years, Carlene Brownback, they helped each other with chores on their farms. They shared a wonderful friendship and Carlene was both his accomplice, yet kept him out of trouble in other instances.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett with burial following in the Garnett Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.

OBITUARIES

Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025   Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan.  She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]

Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

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Linn County News Published July 2, 2025   Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]

Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

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Linn County News Published June 25, 2025   Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [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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