January 6, 2026

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, Kan., the son of Grover and Leda Baston Masters. He graduated from Mound City High School in the Class of 1950. He was united in marriage to Betty Jo Randall on April 8, 1951. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2016.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from January 1952-January 1956. John was the only one of the twelve Masters children that remained living in Mound City his entire life. He worked as a farmer and rancher just west of Mound City. He attended the Mound City United Methodist Church and was a member of the American Legion Hewitt-New Post #248 and served on the board at F & M Bank since 1991.

John and Betty Jo enjoyed traveling, dances and socializing with close friends and of course his large loving family.  John continued his love for socializing after Betty passed with his close friend Charlene Stanbrough. This brought him much joy in his later years. He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Denise Johnson; parents; five brothers, Clayton, Roy, Cecil, Hershel, and Glenn Masters; and five sisters, Vera O’Rourke, Ruby Wymer, Arlene Bryant, Donna Dedrick, and Carolyn Marshall. John is survived by two daughters, Darla Jo Perry and husband, John Michael of Olathe, Kan., and Diana Otto and husband, Kenny, of Mound City, Kan.; a brother, L.D. Masters and wife, Barbara, of Shawnee, Kan.; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, John Frank, Jeff Harlow, Keith Harlow, Kyle Harlow, Ayla Gilmore, and Ean Frank.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Mound City First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to service time at the Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion Post #248. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.