Linn County News
Published February 26, 2025
Raymond “Ray” Eugene Holsman 80 years old of Pleasanton, Kan., entered into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 following a brief illness of cancer. Raymond was able to return home and live out his final days under the care of his two daughters and Mount Carmel Hospice staff. Raymond was the youngest of four children born to William Louie Holsman and Ella “Babe” Ada (Umphenour) Holsman.
Raymond graduated Pleasanton High School in 1962. Two days after graduating, Raymond began his service with the United States Navy. During his naval service he was stationed in San Diego, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Oceania, Va., and even as far as Iceland. During his four years of service he attained the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer and trained as an aviation electrician. While serving his country he married his high school sweetheart, Elda Kay (Dudley) Holsman on Dec. 27, 1964. After his naval service, Raymond worked for LearJet in Wichita, Kan., before returning to Southeast Kansas to begin a 34-year career with Trans World Airlines (TWA). He retired from TWA in 2001.
Following his retirement Raymond enjoyed working for Neal Manufacturing wiring trailers and later working in the parts department for Cox Motor Company. Raymond enjoyed hunting, trapshooting, and farming, but his greatest joy was making memories with his family. Raymond was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pleasanton, Kan., but he also regularly attended services via television with his special friend Carmen and with family and friends at other churches.
Raymond was a member of Masonic Lodge #33, Mound City, Kan.; the Supreme Council Scottish Rite Temple, Fort Scott, Kan.; and IAM Local #778, Kansas City, Mo.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 49 ½ years; both of his parents; and a sister, Kathryn Irene Holsman. Survivors include his two daughters Kathy Secrest (Jesse) and Heidi Martinez both of Pleasanton, Kan; ten grandchildren: Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Autumn, Shawn, Hunter, Jacob, Caleb, Mason, Morgan, and Erika; as well as six great-grandchildren: Hudson, Emmi, Colton, Kinlee, Axel, and Ancil. He was also looking forward to the arrival of another great-grandson. Raymond is also survived by two siblings: Lorene Dean of Desoto, Kan., and James Holsman of Pleasanton, Kan.; along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Masonic service will be 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation will follow until 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Pleasanton High School Trap Shooting. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
OBITUARIES
John Clayton Bowman ~ 02-01-1944 to 08-17-2025

Linn County News Published August 20, 2025 John Clayton Bowman, age 81, Parker, Kan., passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on Feb. 1, 1944, in Goodrich, Kan., the son of John Thomas “Tom” Bowman and Carrie Theodoshia Shafer Bowman. John attended... [More]
Arnold Joseph Lickteig ~ 05-16-1931 to 07-31-2025

Linn County News Published August 6, 2025 Arnold Joseph Lickteig, age 94, formerly of Greeley, Kan., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Colonial Oaks Senior Living at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, Kan. Arnie was born on May 16, 1931, on a farm east of Greeley,... [More]
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
More Obituaries
- Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025
- Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
NEWS
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com
