Linn County News
Published Dec. 16, 2020
Gary Michael Smethers, 75, of Selma, died Dec. 11, 2020, at his home after a brief illness. He was born on June 5, 1945, to his parents, Ivan and Thelma Lou (Cochran) Smethers.
Smethers is perhaps best known to farmers in Anderson and adjoining counties as a mechanic at Gem Farm Supply, the former Allis Chalmers dealership in Garnett, where he worked for nearly 30 years. During harvest season, it was not unusual for him to be dispatched to wheat or corn fields throughout east central Kansas to do emergency repairs on equipment. He was known for his dedication to customer service and his support of people in the agribusiness industry.
Mike attended elementary school in Selma, and completed his education at Kincaid Rural High School, where he graduated in 1963. He attended college at Pittsburg State University for a year before joining the United States Army in 1966. Following basic training, he was sent to Vietnam where he served with distinction, earning both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. For the rest of his life, Mike remained proud of his service in Vietnam and was known for seeking out other Vietnam veterans to share memories about the war and its impact on their lives.
Many people in the area knew Mike Smethers through his varied interests and hobbies. To many friends, he was a fan of dirt track racing, and he often traveled throughout eastern Kansas and western Missouri to attend races. To others, Mike was a lover of the outdoors who enjoyed biking (he made many friends while riding the Prairie Spirit Trail between Garnett and Colony) and he often took long walks through the woods and the prairie collecting rocks and photographing flowers, trees and wildlife. Others knew him as an avid hunter, a sport he enjoyed most of his life. Other friends may remember Mike as a lover of rock and roll music, who later in life taught himself how to play bass guitar and the drums. He enjoyed local and regional history and was a regular presence at area museums and historic sites. But, above all, no matter the setting or the interest, Mike is best known as a man who genuinely enjoyed meeting people and striking up conversations.
Mike married Lorna VanMeter of Mildred in 1971. Their son, William, was born in December of that year. Mike relished being a father and grandfather and loved nothing more than being with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Thelma Lou Smethers. He is survived by his son, William Smethers and his wife Jill of Lawrence; their son Bryce; and his brother, Steven Smethers of Manhattan.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service will not be held at this time. Persons wishing to remember Mike may make donations to the Wounded Warriors Fund in care of the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Kansas, P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kan. 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
OBITUARIES
Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites ~ 02-13-1941 to 03-26-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites, age 84, of Mound City, Kan., passed away peacefully in her sleep March 26, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center, after an extended illness. Born on Feb. 13, 1941, the third child of Jacob and... [More]
Frank Scott DeRemus ~ 06-21-1967 to 03-04-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Frank Scott DeRemus age 57 of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Blue Mound. Scott was born June 21, 1967, in Olathe, Kan., to Frank Fox and Sharon K. (Chadwick) DeRemus. On August 11, 1994,... [More]
Douglas Eugene Joseph ~ 08-06-1964 to 03-16-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Douglas Eugene Joseph, 60, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Doug was born on Aug. 6, 1964, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Jean Ann Jones. He graduated from high school... [More]
More Obituaries
- Linda Sue Tyson ~ 01-24-1942 to 03-21-2025
- Brent Ross Wheeler ~ July 27, 1956 – March 22, 2025
- Alice Walker ~ 09-03-1928 to 03-20-2025
- Colton James McCammon ~ 08-26-2003 to 03-15-2025
- Kenneth Lawrence Sloan ~ 01-24-1950 to 03-11-2025
- Lois Joan Streeter ~ 11-18-1931 to 03-05-2025
- Lila R. McCarty ~ 05-21-1938 to 03-08-2025
- Norma Jean Harvey ~ 09-26-1935 to 02-21-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]
SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]
Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]
More News
- La Cygne accepts deed conveyance on split vote
- Commissioners hear from resident on subdivision meeting
- SPECIAL: K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon
- Linn Valley imposes moratorium on new water and sewer construction
- Wind and fire damage dots county
- County hears from Tanglewood residents during public comment
- Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road
- Board votes to extend Meik contract
SPORTS
2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season. As... [More]
2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [More]
More Sports
- A season in review: Jayhawk Linn wrestling
- A season in review: Prairie View wrestling
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up
- Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha
- Case leads Prairie View girls’ wrestling with a second-place finish
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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• 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

