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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

Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025

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Linn County News Published June 4, 2025   Gary Ray Johnson, age 90 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Kan. Visitation... [More]

Rees Lyle Shattuck ~ 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Rees Lyle Shattuck, age 93, Prescott, Kan., passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born on Aug. 31, 1931, in Boicourt, Kan., the son of Rees Wilbur and Lulu Elizabeth Black Shattuck. He served his country in the United... [More]

Wayne Eldon Long ~ 07-03-1942 to 05-24-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Wayne Eldon Long, age 82, of Parker, Kan., passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Wayne was born on July 3, 1942, in Garnett, Kan., the son of Homer Leon and Margaret Ethel (Collins) Long. He was one of three children and... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

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Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]

Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

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Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance   Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]

Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

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The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present.    Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

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The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]

School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

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The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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