Linn County News
Published March 5, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Keith Couch shares the news of his passing. Keith lived a life filled with love, faith, and service, sharing the love of Christ with everyone he encountered.
He left this world peacefully, in victory, and ready to join his Creator in heaven. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace, full of joy in God’s presence.
Keith passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 97. He was born on June 22, 1927, in Kansas City, Kan. On June 3, 1949, he married the love of his life, Martha Frasier Couch, and together they built a life of love and devotion that spanned 75 years.
At just 17, Keith left high school to serve his country, joining the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After returning home to Kansas City, he pursued a career in law, practicing for 40 years. He was the founding partner of the Overland Park law firm Couch, Pierce and King, where he remained until his retirement in 1997.
Keith had a passion for the outdoors and a heart for service. He was a devoted Boy Scout Master for 17 years and found great joy in hiking, jogging, canoeing, mountain climbing and camping.
In 1975, he fulfilled his dream of owning land and developing a Christmas tree farm in rural Mound City, as well as finishing off an A-frame cabin in Eaglenest, N.M. Martha and Keith returned to Overland Park in 2012 to be closer to family.
Above all, Keith cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Couch; his children, Doug Couch and wife, Crista, of Lenexa, and Amy Gable and husband, Mac Gable, of Heath, Texas; his grandchildren, Daniel Gable, Aaron Couch, Paige Meyer; step grandchildren Shirin Abvabi, Shara Abvabi, and Sheyda Best; and his eight beautiful great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Keith’s Life will be held on March 12 at 2 p.m. for family and friends at Brookdale Independent Living Facility, 6101 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kan. 66209.
OBITUARIES
Rex Alan Brown ~ 08-10-1959 to 04-25-2026
Linn County News Published April 29,2026 Rex Alan Brown, age 66, of Prescott, Kan., passed away on April 25, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family. There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11... [More]
Edward Lee Umphenour ~ 10-05-1943 to 04-26-2026
Linn County News Published April 29, 2026 Edward Lee Umphenour, 82 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on April 26, 2026. Edward Lee was a man with a recognizable voice and has been referred to as the voice of Linn County. He was born to Edward and Katherine... [More]
Emily Donnell Brown Tinsley ~ 09-24-2931 to 04-24-2026
Linn County News Published April 29, 2026 Emily Donnell Brown Tinsley left her worldly home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2026. Donnell was born Sept. 24, 1931, in Texon, Texas, to Lone Jewel and Dixie Belle Cox Brown. When Donnell was 18 years... [More]
More Obituaries
- Velma Fay (Cline) Peterson ~ 04-29-1944 to 04-15-2026
- Bruce Lynn Jeffers ~ 01-30-1957 to 04-12-2026
- Vernon Lee Ross ~ 12-01-1955 to 04-10-2026
- Howard Chaney Herrmann ~ 05-28-1944 to 04-01-2026
- Tevina Marie Eicher ~ 04-09-1979 to 03-23-2026
- Kellie Jo Harvey ~ 10-24-1968 to 03-26-2026
- Naomi “Skip” Childress ~ 08-23-1926 to 03-21-2026
- Julia Pearl (Ginger) Gardner ~ 06-28-1940 to 03-19-2026
NEWS
Commissioners appoint interim fire chief and emergency management coordinator
With Commissioner Jim Johnson and County Counselor Jacklyn Paletta attending via telephone, the commissioners briefly discussed whether to appoint an interim Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator or post for the position(s) due to the recent resignation of Randy Hegwald... [More]
Commissioners question department heads on April 13 storms
During the meeting on Monday, April 27, the commissioners met with several department heads to hear reports on departmental actions during and after the tornadic storms that hit portions of Linn County on April 13. The discussion included Linn County Sheriff James Akes, Linn... [More]
Pleasanton City Administrator announces retirement Aug. 3
Pleasanton’s Monday, April 20, council meeting lasted well into the night after discussing a dock grant, see separate story, and several other items. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Mathew Young read a letter announcing City Administrator Becky Hegwald’s retirement... [More]
More News
- Linn Valley discussed storm shelters
- Couple survives home destruction from EF1 tornado
- Questions asked following storms that hit county
- Commissioners hear several items from Planning and Zoning
- La Cygne council hears report on blighted structure
- Pleasanton Council proceeds with fishing dock grant
- Early Dismissals
- SPECIAL: Youthfront application not a Public Hearing
SPORTS
Jayhawk baseball goes 4-0 against Erie and Yates Center
The Jayhawk Linn baseball team went 4-0 this past week in double-headers against Erie and Yates Center. They traveled to Erie on April 20 and defeated the Red Devils 14-4 and 16-5. Then they hosted Yates Center and won both those games 15-4 and 13-1. The first game against... [More]
Pleasanton sweeps St. Paul, splits against Uniontown
The Pleasanton baseball team played St. Paul and Uniontown this past week. They traveled to St. Paul on April 20 and defeated the Indians in a double-header, 18-3 and 16-9. The team then hosted Uniontown in another double-header, they won the first game 5-2 but lost the second... [More]
Prairie View baseball 3-0 against Osage City and Butler
The Prairie View baseball team played Osage City and Butler this past week. They traveled to Osage City on April 21 and defeated them in a double-header, 7-6 and 18-6. Then they hosted a single game against Butler on April 23 and won that game 18-3. The first game against Osage... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
- Prairie View baseball falls to Burlington and splits against Lebo
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Central Heights and Marmaton Valley
- Prairie View softball goes 3-1 against Iola and Jayhawk
- Jayhawk softball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Prairie View
- Pleasanton track wins at Oswego
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
- Jayhawk softball swept by Central Heights
OBITUARIES POLICY
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
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