April 28, 2026

Linn County News

Published April 29, 2026

Edward Lee Umphenour, 82 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on April 26, 2026.

Edward Lee was a man with a recognizable voice and has been referred to as the voice of Linn County.  He was born to Edward and Katherine Dunavan Umphenour on Oct. 5, 1943 at their rural home in Pleasanton, Kan. He was the oldest of seven children. Edward Lee went to a country school, Green Valley, through the eighth grade. He then attended high school in Pleasanton where he graduated in 1961. Following high school Edward Lee attended Kansas School of Business where he received an associates’ degree. Upon graduation, Ed married Judy Delahay, in March of 1963. They moved to Montana where he worked security for Boeing in the missile silos. He moved the family back to Kansas after his younger brother Wayne passed away in a horse racing accident. Though Ed later divorced Judy, from that marriage came two daughters, Laura Umphenour and Julie Cooney (Jason). In 1980, Ed married Jeannie Reed. She brought to the marriage 2 daughters, Kelly Loganbill (Chuck) and Stacy Brockus-Reagan. In 1981, they welcomed their first child together, Jed Wayne Umphenour (Natalie). Bret Alan Umphenour (Kim) came along later in 1983.

Edward Lee was known for his magnifying voice all over the country. He has been known to announce horse shows, rodeos, tractor pulls, parades and many other things.  Many trips were taken across the country traveling to various states for him to announce tractor pulls. He was a member of the Kansas Tractor Pullers Association (KTPA) as well as the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) for most of his adult life. His voice was known over many states for his quick words and entertaining stories. Every performance ended with his signature closing of “drive safely on the way home, the life you save might be mine.” 

Another passion of Edward Lee’s was the Linn County Fair Association. He served as a member of the board for over 50 years and was currently serving as an honorary member on the board. He was inducted into the Kansas Fairboard Hall of Fame in 2018 and served as a delegate for Linn County for the Kansas Fairs and Festivals for many years. 

Edward Lee passed away surrounded by family on Sunday April 26, 2026, in Fort Scott, Kan. His laughter, old stories, and love will be missed by all who had the opportunity to experience them. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Katherine; his brother Wayne; sister Deanna; and brother-in-law Dewayne Fuhrman. He is survived by his wife Jeannie of the home; children; and siblings Gary (Sheilah) Umphenour, Randy (Robin) Umphenour, Kevin (Debi) Umphenour, Kristie (Paul) McKee; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 1, at the Pleasanton Christian Church.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton, Kan. Burial will be in the Littell Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Linn County Fair/Tractor Pull and may be sent in care of the funeral home to Schneider Funeral Home P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kansas 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.