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
Ruth Ellen Stainbrook ~ 02-12-1933 to 05-16-2026
Linn County News Published May 20, 2026 Ruth Ellen Stainbrook, age 93, La Cygne, Kan., passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born on Feb. 12, 1933, at home to Fred and Lucy Henderson Carothers. She graduated from La Cygne High School in 1950 where she... [More]
Gary Wayne Simpson ~ 01-17-1952 to 05-13-2026
Linn County News Published May 20, 2026 Gary Wayne Simpson, age 74, Mound City, Kan., passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Mound City Christian Church. Burial in the Woodland Cemetery. Visitation... [More]
John Thomas (Tommy) Trotter ~ 01-26-1945 to 01-20-2026
Linn County News Published May 20, 2026 John Thomas (Tommy) Trotter was born Jan. 26, 1945, in Paris, Tenn., to John Houston Trotter and Mary Elexie (Workman) Trotter. He departed this earthly home on Jan. 20, 2026. He lived and worked on his parents’... [More]
More Obituaries
- William Alvin Good ~ 01-26-1933 to 05-11-2026
- Richard Ray Snyder ~ 09-17-1951 to 05-01-2026
- Lance Robert Minchew ~ 07-26-1971 to 04-24-2026
- John Marvin Arnold ~ 05-13-1932 to 05-01-2026
- Frank LeRoy Harlow ~ 01-23-1933 to 04-30-2026
- James (Jim) Joseph Dent ~ 01-25-1945 to 04-28-2026
- Rex Alan Brown ~ 08-10-1959 to 04-25-2026
- Edward Lee Umphenour ~ 10-05-1943 to 04-26-2026
NEWS
Pleasanton Council called out for lack of transparency, executive sessions
Following an hour and one-half of executive sessions two weeks ago, the Pleasanton Council heard from frustrated, angry citizens concerning lack of transparency and ‘behind closed doors dealings.’ Greg Stogsdill spoke to the council and said, “I’m concerned... [More]
Commissioners set high voltage lines moratorium
Commissioner Alison Hamilton took time during the May 18 meeting to address concerns she has in regards to the possibility of incoming high voltage transmission lines coming into the county from Missouri, where the Clearwater solar project was approved. She explained that the... [More]
Chief explains Pleasanton police budget concerns
Pleasanton Police Chief Tristan Snyder was not appointed police chief after 13 years as chief of the Pleasanton Police Department on a 3-2 vote May 4. No reason was given by the council for the dismissal of the chief, that, as he stated, was despite no reprimands or issues with... [More]
More News
- Commissioners hire Economic Development Services Director
- USD 344 board sees gym floor design
- Mound City hears from McLiney on bond probability
- Pleasanton City Council denies appointment to police chief, city attorney, city administrator
- Commissioners hear ISO rating concerns
- Commissioners appoint interim fire chief and emergency management coordinator
- Commissioners question department heads on April 13 storms
- Pleasanton City Administrator announces retirement Aug. 3
SPORTS
Jayhawk Linn track are boys’ and girls’ league champions
The Jayhawk track team traveled to Oswego on May 15 to compete in the Three Rivers League track meet. The Hawks had a great meet on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. The boys are league champions with a score of 115 while the girls’ team is also league champions... [More]
Prairie View track competes in Pioneer League meet
The Prairie View track team traveled to Santa Fe Trail on May 14 to compete in the Pioneer League meet. The Prairie View boys’ team placed fifth with 37 points while the girls’ team was fourth with 62 points. Santa Fe Trail won the meet for both the boys and girls,... [More]
Pleasanton baseball ends season at Flinthills
The Pleasanton baseball team played the first round of their 2-1A Regional tournament on May 14 at the Flinthills Mustangs. Flinthills was the five seed while the Jays were the 12 seed, Pleasanton lost the game 2-12 in six innings. The game started with the Mustangs scoring... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View softball has a busy week
- Jayhawk baseball finishes regular season at 11-11 with a split against Uniontown
- Pleasanton track competes in tough Humboldt meet
- Jayhawk track hosts home invitational
- Pleasanton track battles at Jayhawk
- Jayhawk baseball goes 4-0 against Erie and Yates Center
- Pleasanton sweeps St. Paul, splits against Uniontown
- Prairie View baseball 3-0 against Osage City and Butler
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