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James Joseph DeMoss, 65, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, July 12, 2015, at the Neosho Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kan.
James was born Oct. 3, 1949, in Paola, Kan., the fifth of six children born to Chloris Ione and Gladys Maxine (Shoemaker) DeMoss. He grew up in LaCygne and attended school there for most of his school years. At the age of 14, he acquired a position at Willard’s IGA in Osawatomie, Kan., and then later secured a position at the Ford garage as a mechanic.
In 1968, James enlisted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from May 30, 1970-April 22, 1971; he also served in Indochina. Upon returning to the United States he was stationed in Alaska where he worked as a dental assistant. James was a recipient of a Bronze Star, The Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged Dec. 1, 1972.
After returning home, he attended Allen County Community College for 18 months, while working at Taylor Forge. He later joined the BTJ Pipefitters Union and was a current retired member of the local #441 of Wichita, Kan.
On Sept. 6, 1975, he married Linda Sue Kerr in Osawatomie, Kan. They moved several times due to the type of work James pursued but finally settled when they purchased their farm near Fort Scott in 1993, where they raised two daughters, Rachel and Rebekah.
He enjoyed fishing and trap shooting, but his passion was building and flying model airplanes. He also loved to host family gatherings on holidays and special occasions. He was a loving husband and father and a lover of animals, and enjoyed when his grand-dogs “Bear”, “Flip”, “Pebbles” and bunny-rabbit “Cadbury” came for a visit. Of course, he always had his little stray kitty “Monkey” that he and Linda rescued to keep him entertained.
James was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two brothers-in-law, as well as his mother- and father-in-law.
He is survived by his wife Linda and daughter Rachel of the home; daughter Rebekah (Kyle) Varvel of Leavenworth, Kan.; brother Jack (K.) DeMoss of Ottawa, Kan.; and one sister Carol Sue Lynn of Osawatomie, Kan.; along with numerous nieces and nephews and his first grandchild who is on the way.
Memorial service was Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, 203 Main, Osawatomie, Kan. Committal of ashes followed at Oak Lawn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan., with Military Honors.
Memorial: Souls Harbor, Joplin, Mo. Leave condolences at www.eddybirchard.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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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

NOTICE:

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Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd. 

Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

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Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private   The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]

Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

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On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]

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SPORTS

Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

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The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]

Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

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Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [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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