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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

Velma Fay (Cline) Peterson ~ 04-29-1944 to 04-15-2026

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Linn County News Published April 22, 2026   Velma Fay (Cline) Peterson was born to Roy Albert and Lucy Edith Marie (Brown) Cline on April 29, 1944. She was born on the Kansas side of the State Line Road on a little farm called The Star Dairy. The farm is east... [More]

Bruce Lynn Jeffers ~ 01-30-1957 to 04-12-2026

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  Linn County News Published April 22, 2026   Bruce Lynn Jeffers, age 69, of rural Centerville, Kan., and recently from the Kansas Veteran’s Home in Winfield, Kan., passed away on April 12, 2026, from a prolonged traumatic brain injury incurred very... [More]

Vernon Lee Ross ~ 12-01-1955 to 04-10-2026

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Linn County News Published April 15, 2026   Vernon Lee Ross, age 70, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on Dec. 1, 1955, in Fort Scott, Kan. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Schneider Funeral... [More]

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NEWS

Couple survives home destruction from EF1 tornado

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Weather forecasts were pretty accurate concerning potential severe storms hitting the region Monday, April 13; damage across the county proved that right. At approximately 7:40 p.m., the first storm watch issued by the Linn County Sheriff’s Department was released sending... [More]

Questions asked following storms that hit county

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During the meeting on April 20, Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Hegwald asked for commissioners to approve resolution 2026-10, a proclamation for the county to be declared an emergency disaster site. Commissioners approved the resolution... [More]

Commissioners hear several items from Planning and Zoning

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Denies rezoning request for Youth Front During the April 20 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Planning and Zoning director Jennifer Cummings regarding several items for action. The first one presented was a request from Youth Front to rezone a portion of their... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee

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The Jayhawk Linn baseball team faced Southeast Cherokee on April 13. It was supposed to be a home double-header but due to field conditions at Jayhawk the game was moved to Cherokee. The Hawks fell to the Lancers in both games; the first 0-10 and the second 3-21. The first... [More]

Prairie View baseball falls to Burlington and splits against Lebo

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The Prairie View baseball team traveled to Burlington and Lebo this past week. They played a Pioneer League double header against Burlington on April 14 and then played a double header against Lebo on April 16. The Buffalos lost both games against Burlington, 2-17 and 0-14, and... [More]

Pleasanton baseball falls to Central Heights and Marmaton Valley

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The Pleasanton baseball team played Central Heights and Marmaton Valley this past week. They hosted Central Heights on April 13 in a TRL double header. They lost both games to the Vikings, 1-26 and 3-18. They then traveled to Marmaton Valley on April 16 and faced the Wildcats... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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