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

Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris ~ 12-04-1950 to 05-21-2026

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Linn County News Published June 3, 2026   Jackie Ray “Jack” Harris, 75, passed away on May 21, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of service, dedication, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.  Jack dedicated much of his life... [More]

Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin ~ 04-18-1946 to 05-28-2026

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Linn County News Published June 3, 2026   Clara Mae “Butch” Heflin passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, having just celebrated her 80th birthday. She was born in Pinckneyville, Ill., on April 18, 1946. The second eldest daughter of 12... [More]

Gwendolyn Joanne Bradley ~ 02-08-1936 to 05-15-2026

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Linn County News Published June 3, 2026   Gwendolyn Joanne Bradley, 90, died May 15, 2026, at her home in Cottonwood Falls, Kan. She was born Feb. 8, 1936, in Pleasanton, to Emmett and Lena Claudine (McMillan) Lloyd. Joanne graduated from Pleasanton High... [More]

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NEWS

BREAKING NEWS: Leonard sentenced in Missouri case

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Damon B. Leonard, with defense attorney Harold Trull made an appearance in Bates County, Mo., Circuit Court on Friday, May 29 for what was slated to be a sentencing hearing following the guilty plea given in open court previously on May 22, 2026. When court proceedings began... [More]

SPECIAL REPORT: Leonard enters guilty plea in Missouri case

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Damon B. Leonard, who was charged in Bates County, Mo., in December of 2025 with abandonment of a corpse, a class E felony punishable by up to four years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, entered a plea of guilty in open court on Friday, May 22. The case stemmed from events... [More]

Commissioners hear from Clearway attorney on transmission moratorium

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During the meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, the commissioners heard from Melissa Vancrum with Rouse, Frets, White, Goss Law Firm, Leawood, Kan., who spoke during public comment regarding the moratorium that commissioners opted to put in place during last week’s meeting.... [More]

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SPORTS

Prairie View track qualifies three athletes for State

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The Prairie View track team traveled to Fredonia on May 22 to compete in their 3A Regional. The Buffalos did well with multiple top placers and three athletes qualifying for the State track meet in Wichita on May 29-30. The highlight of the meet for the Buffalos was Laramie... [More]

Jayhawk track qualifies eight for State

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The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Fredonia on May 22 to compete in their 3A Regional to determine who makes the State track meet in Wichita on May 29-30. The Hawks qualified eight total athletes for State in seven different events. The highlights of the meet were Dominic... [More]

Pleasanton track qualifies six for State

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The Pleasanton track team traveled to Iola on May 21 for the 1A Regional hosted by Waverly to see who would make the State track meet in Wichita on May 29-30.  The Jays qualified a total of six athletes for State in six different events. There were also multiple events... [More]

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