Jerald Dene Cowel, 85, formerly of Cedar Vale, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015 at Medicalodge of Arkansas City, Kan.
Jerald was born April 25, 1930, in Wichita, Kan., the son of Ira Raymond and Mattie Isabelle (Snipes) Cowel. He was raised in Wichita and in Linn County, Kan.
After his schooling, he went to work. And work is what he did almost his entire life. He enjoyed being self-employed. He worked in heavy equipment operation and did lots of demolition jobs in Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri throughout his career.
For 35 years he was married to Mildred Beach Corn and she preceded him in death in March of 2010.
He was known in the later part of his life as the “Rock Man” for his collection of decorative rocks that people would get from him. He was a special man who sacrificed everything to help those in need and whom he cared for. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
His family includes his siblings, LaVerne Ray of Velma, Okla., Ronald Cowel and wife Donna of Arkansas City, Kan., Marilyn Megenity and husband William of Kansas City, Kan.; his nieces and nephews, Carole Corley of Garden City, Kan., Martin Ray of Plano, Texas, Connie Phillips of Duncan, Okla., Terry Bice of Bridgeport, Ala., Kim Meyers of Kansas City, Mo., Tammy Champagne of Wellington, Kan., Courtney Cowel of Jopin, Mo., Samantha Ross of Wichita, Kan., William Patrick Megenity of Denison, Texas, Raymond Michael Megenity of Humboldt, Kan., and Breandan Philbert of Kansas City, Kan.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond C. Cowel.
Cremation has been effected and Shelley Family Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements. No services are scheduled.

OBITUARIES

John Harold Masters ~ 02-18-1932 to 01-03-2026

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Linn County News Published January 7, 2026   John Harold Masters, age 93, Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at ICU KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., after a traumatic fall on Dec. 30 in Fort Scott, Kan. He was born on Feb. 18, 1932, in Farlinville,... [More]

Paul R. Arnett ~ 10-06-1933 to 12-27-2025

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Linn County News Published January 7, 2026   Paul R. Arnett, 92, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025. He was born Oct. 6, 1933, in Fontana, Kan., where he was raised by his parents Ivan and Gladys Arnett. Paul proudly served... [More]

Dorothy Maxine New ~ 08-04-1934 to 12-29-2025

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Linn County News Published January 7, 2026   Dorothy Maxine New, age 91, Kansas City, Kan., formerly of Mound City, Kan., passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. She was born on Aug. 4, 1934, in Mound City, Kan., the daughter of Ross and Audrey Hixson Huckaby.... [More]

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NEWS

Testimony to lower Kansas property taxes needed

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Anyone who would like to testify concerning their increasing property taxes, please read below as the deadline is soon to testify on behalf of lowering property taxes in Kansas. Below are directions for participating in the hearing process for SCR 1616 - Cap Assessment... [More]

Dog laws in Linn County

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Following the recent incident at a local lake community involving dogs this reporter gathered information regarding laws and ordinances from across the county in regards to dogs. That information has been compiled. According to Linn County Sheriff Jame Akes, there is no Kansas... [More]

Parade held for family of Holiday Lakes victim

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The death of Airen Andula on Dec. 13 touched the heartstrings of those in Linn County and throughout the region; with that a car parade was held in honor of the 13-year-0ld boy who loved Hot Wheels. Parade coordinator Skylar Gabrini, Pleasanton, said, “I don’t know... [More]

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SPORTS

Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown

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The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Three River League opponents this past week as they traveled to Altoona Midway on Dec. 16 and then to Uniontown on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or... [More]

Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola

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The Prairie View girls’ basketball teams had two Pioneer League opponents this week in Santa Fe Trail and Iola. The Lady Buffs traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Dec. 16 and hosted Iola on Dec. 18. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News... [More]

Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie

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The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team continued their winning ways this past week as they faced TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Erie. The girls hosted Cherokee on Dec. 16 before traveling to Erie on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the... [More]

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

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