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
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
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]
More Obituaries
- John Thomas (Tommy) Trotter ~ 01-26-1945 to 01-20-2026
- 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
NEWS
Commissioners hear from Clearway attorney on transmission moratorium
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]
USD 346 hears changes to handbook language, truancies
During the USD 346 meeting on May 18 the board heard from elementary level principal Russ Hermreck who gave a brief update on truancy policies in the handbook. Hermreck spoke to the board on changes to the handbook and then asked Assistant Principal Pete Proctor to explain... [More]
Pleasanton Council hears request for housing development
During public comment Monday May 18, the Pleasanton City Council heard from Connor Hecke, owner of Mine Creek Feed Mill, who told the council he’d like to put in a new housing development at 21181 E. 975th Place in Pleasanton. He said the five-acres would hold several... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Council called out for lack of transparency, executive sessions
- Commissioners set high voltage lines moratorium
- Chief explains Pleasanton police budget concerns
- 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
SPORTS
Prairie View track qualifies three athletes for State
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
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
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]
More Sports
- Jayhawk Linn track are boys’ and girls’ league champions
- Prairie View track competes in Pioneer League meet
- Pleasanton baseball ends season at Flinthills
- 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
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