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
Ronald Raymond Howard ~ 04-07-1946 to 07-20-2026
Linn County News Published August 19, 2026 Ronald Raymond Howard, age 80 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on July 20, 2026, at the Olathe Medical Center. He was born the son of Melvin and Ruth Fischer Howard on April 7, 1946, in Hamburg, Iowa. Ron was an... [More]
John Randy Joseph Alan Parker ~ 03-03-1985 to 07-31-2026
Linn County News Published August 12, 2026 John Randy Joseph Alan Parker, age 41 of Redfield, Kan., formerly from Pleasanton, passed away as the result of an accident on July 31, 2026. He was born the son of Steven D. Parker and Jacklin J. Spickler on March 3, 1985,... [More]
Lennie D. Hill Crooks ~ 02-20-1933 to 08-04-2026
Linn County News Published August 12, 2026 Lennie D. Hill Crooks, age 93, of Mound City, KS, passed away on August 4, 2026. She was born to William and Loretta Hill on Feb 20, 1933. She married Donald Crooks on Feb. 21, 1952. Their marriage... [More]
More Obituaries
- Dixie Beatrice Collins ~ 10-16-1967 to 07-28-2026
- Helen Marie Clark ~ 03-22-1932 To 07-31-2026
- Norma Lee Pease ~ 07-28-1933 To 07-29-2026
- Linda Jo Hisel ~ 06-28-1960 to 07-23-2026
- Thomas Francis Moylan ~ 08-31-1941 to 07-24-2026
- William Lee “Bill” Anderson ~ 05-08-1942 to 07-21-2026
- Karen Kay Clayton ~ 08-21-1956 to 06-26-2026
- Clinton Eugene Williams ~ 05-04-1979 to 07-06-2026
NEWS
Pleasanton issues declaration of emergency
On Saturday, Aug. 8, the Pleasanton City Council held a special meeting for the purposes of discussing water system repairs, potential clerk appointments and potential new hires for the public works department. The meeting began with a report from Josh Ralle, Water Operator,... [More]
USD 344 works on secondary water source
With the city of Pleasanton gaining notoriety through an emergency water conservation order, USD 344 is being proactive to keep school in session should the last working water pump at East Lake quit. Superintendent Don Epps told the board Monday night that “with their... [More]
Mayor discusses Linn Valley economic development
Data center not off books The Linn Valley City Council held its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, with Mayor Lister Potter presiding with all council members present except for Richard Gravelle. Potter gave his report stating that, after much... [More]
More News
- Linn County P and Z Director awarded sponsorship for conference
- Declaration of Water Emergency
- Pleasanton Council opts to begin paving streets
- Top PRCA official to attend Linn County Rodeo
- Voluntary contribution noted in open session
- $1.5 to $3 million to fix Pleasanton pool
- SPECIAL: Linn County budget review scheduled
- Family files wrongful death suit in vicious dog attack
SPORTS
Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
The annual kids’ fishing derby hosted by Don George and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took place at the Linn County fairgrounds on the morning of Aug. 8. The fishing derby began at around 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m. After the derby the kids competed... [More]
Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull
The annual pedal pull hosted by Linn County Farm Bureau Association was held at the Linn County fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 7. Just like in years past the competition was divided by age 4 to 12 with the top three placers in each age group receiving a trophy/medal and... [More]
Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo
The Linn County Fair and Rodeo kicked off this year with the annual demo derby on the evening of Aug. 1. Per tradition, the event began with the crowning of the Linn County Fair and Rodeo Queen. There were four contestants this year and Chloe Riley became the queen with... [More]
More Sports
- Linn County well represented in 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo
- A day of fun and records
- Commanders win tournament at Arma
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes at Nationals
- Annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament held at Pleasanton East Lake
- Blue Mound Burnout contest held
- Midwest Senior Bull Riding Association comes to Pleasanton
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes in State tournament
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