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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

George W. Ernst III ~ 08-06-1942 to 05-25-2026

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Linn County News Published May 27, 2026   George W. Ernst III passed away Monday, May 25, 2026.  He was born on Aug. 6, 1942, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of  George Ernst II and Mildred Ernst. He graduated from Rosedale High School. He worked as an electrician... [More]

Ruth Ellen Stainbrook ~ 02-12-1933 to 05-16-2026

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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

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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]

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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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