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Dwayne Charles Beckford was born July 20, 1949, in Riverside, Calif., to Andrew Beckford and Lucille Hillman Beckford. His father's military career took the family to many locations before finally settling in Mapleton, Kan. He graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1967 and Kansas State University in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Hyson, in 1970. They had three daughters.

 He spent over 30 years in the Army Reserves, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 2009. One of his final assignments was serving as the commander of the Lawrence Reserve Unit. He greatly enjoyed annual training in Alaska, spending time in a military leadership role. He also engaged in one of his favorite pastimes there, fishing.

Dwayne spent his civilian career teaching high school. He taught a range of subjects, including vocational agriculture, horticulture and science, as well as serving as an FFA advisor. He began teaching in Lakin, Kan., before moving to Jayhawk-Linn in Mound City. While at Mound City, Dwayne served on the city council, school board and the Sugar Mound Arts and Crafts Festival Committee. Dwayne was instrumental in helping to start the committee’s annual scholarship fund. He retired from teaching at Paola High School in 2010 after 21 years.

Dwayne was a lifelong learner, earning a master’s degree in science and continuing to take classes throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, raising animals, fishing, reading and photography. He always had at least one dog, and often a flock of sheep or goats, as well as occasional cows or a donkey. He shared these interests with his daughters and later his grandchildren. He remained busy in retirement, serving on the Miami County Conservation Board, the election board and as Stanton Township Clerk. He was active in his local church.

He is remembered by others for his kind and generous nature and his faithfulness to the Bible and what he believed. Dwayne was a longtime donor to many charitable groups. He always sought to give back. He would encourage you to become an organ donor.

Dwayne left this life Sept. 12, 2019, surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as three brothers, Everett, Alan and David.

He is survived by Rita, his wife of 49 years; daughters Jody (Ken) Schroeder, Katie (J.R.) Lidgett and Megan (John) Withers; grandchildren Melissa, Anika, Lilly, Dillen and Isaac; brother Andrew Beckford and sister Leota Keller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Dwayne’s honor may be made to The Kansas City Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis or the Paola High School FFA chapter in care of the funeral home.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 19, at Paola First Baptist Church from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, also at the church. Burial will follow at the Mapleton Cemetery.

OBITUARIES

Keith Alan Smith ~ 12-01-1952 to 12-07-2024

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Linn County News Published December 11, 2024   Keith Alan Smith, age 72, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.  Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the Pleasanton High School. Memorial contributions are suggested... [More]

Sherman Leroy Spence ~ 08-09-1940 to 12-06-2024

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Linn County News Published December 11, 2024   Sherman Leroy Spence, age 84, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. He was born on Aug. 9, 1940, in Welch, Okla., the son of Roy and Sadie Reavis Spence. After graduating from Pleasanton High School, Sherm... [More]

Richard Lee Lindsey ~ 10-06-2955 to 12-08-2024

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Linn County News Published December 11, 2024   Richard Lee Lindsey, age 69, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. He was born in Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 6, 1955, the son of Glen and Lilah Hall Lindsey. He graduated from Pleasanton High School. He then... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Lettuce, lettuce for everyone

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USD 344 wins vertical sustainability garden grant   A grant that Pleasanton USD 344 went after in October 2023 for a pod to grow vertical sustainability gardens was confirmed won by the district. Superintendent Don Epps said the program should produce 400 to 500 heads... [More]

Local food drives to aid Linn County organizations and families

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Three local schools and one local business are working to ensure that all of Linn County has a happy and healthy holiday season. Pleasanton Elementary, Parker Elementary and La Cygne Elementary are collecting canned and shelf-stable food products for the holiday season. Parker... [More]

Commissioner questions process of clerk’s resignation, appointment

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During the Dec. 9 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson noted he had been asked by several people and questioned County Clerk David Lamb on the process that will take place when his resignation becomes effective. Lamb explained to the commissioners that it is up to... [More]

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SPORTS

Prairie View varsity girls’ wrestling compete at Spring Hill

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The Prairie View girls’ varsity wrestling team traveled to Spring Hill on Dec. 7 to compete in the Spring Hill Girls’ Invitational. The Lady Buffs placed 10th out of 21 teams with a score of 46. Gardner Edgerton won the tournament with a score of 179. Here are the... [More]

Jayhawk varsity girls’ wrestling start season at KanOkla tournament

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The Jayhawk girls’ varsity and JV wrestling teams traveled to Caney Valley on Dec. 6 to compete in the KanOkla girls’ wrestling tournament. The Lady Hawks placed 14th out of 20 teams with 50 team points. Douglas won the tournament with 130.5 team points. Here are... [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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