Linn County News
Published April 29, 2020
Robert Franklin Secrest, 22, died on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Danbury Hospital after complications related to cerebral palsy.
Robert was born on March 19, 1998, in Lexington, S.C., to parents Robert L. Secrest and Deborah J. (Bilodeau) Secrest. Affectionately known as “Little Robert,” he resided in several states throughout his lifetime including South Carolina, Illinois, Michigan, California, and most recently Connecticut.
Although Robert had several challenges stacked against him throughout his life due to cerebral palsy and congenital hydrocephalus, he was an extraordinary young man. He was more well traveled at 9 months old than most adults! Although he was unable to communicate verbally, he was an expert communicator in every other way! As he grew into his teenage years, Robert would speak volumes with a hearty giggle, an eye roll, or a good yank of his sister Elizabeth’s hair. As a teenager, Robert underwent several hip surgeries followed by extensive physical therapy. After many months of therapy, he walked for the first time, with a little enticing by his favorite toys -Elmo and Slinky.
Throughout his life, Robert continued to defy the odds. His favorite vacation spot was Disney. A daredevil at heart, Robert’s favorite amusement park ride was Tower of Terror. He also had a special bond with animals of all kinds. He had the opportunity to swim with dolphins and even sharks; he held a lion cub, baby kangaroo, and an alligator. Birds and butterflies would flock to him. Robert was also a NASCAR enthusiast, especially a fan of Dale Jr., #88, and Jimmie Johnson, #48. Robert loved riding in anything fast with a loud V8 engine roaring. He was even a member of the Pratt Miller Corvette Race Team.
In addition to his parents, Robert is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Secrest, also of Newtown. He leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also the grandson of the late Stephen G. Bilodeau, Madeline Bilodeau, Robert J. Secrest, and Louetta G. (Cox) Secrest.
Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation. Please visit https://secure3.convio.net/cmf/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_main
To place online condolences or light a memorial candle, please visit www.cornellmemorial.com.
OBITUARIES
Robert “Bob” Eugene Markley ~ 04-11-1936 to 04-15-2024
Linn County News Published April 17, 2024 Robert (Bob) Eugene Markley, 88, was born on his family farm north of Mound City, Kansas, April 11, 1936, to Aaron R. and Hallie (Bell) Markley. He passed from this life on April, 15, 2024, at the very place he was born,... [More]
Ronald Joe Smith ~ 05-10-1944 to 04-11-2024
Linn County News Published April 17, 2024 Ronald Joe Smith, 79, LaCygne, Kan., passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kan. Visitation will be 10 – 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner,... [More]
Mary Tinsley ~ 12-15-1935 to 04-09-2024
Linn County News Published April 10, 2024 I, Mary Tinsley; being of sound mind and steadfast in my faith died today. My body decided to give out. Here I am, onto my next adventure, carried home to heaven by these wonderful angels shouting, ‘She is here, She... [More]
More Obituaries
- Frederick John “Fritz” Johanning, Jr. ~ 08-10-1948 to 03-26-2024
- Doris Maxine Basore ~ 01-02-1920 to 03-10-2024
- Janice (Good) Waltmire ~ 08-20-1937 to 03-09-2024
- Richard Lee Strader ~ 06-08-1974 to 02-24-24
- Robert William Harper, Jr. ~ 07-14-1947 to 02-24-2024
- Richard Eldon Baldwin ~ 07-21-1963 to 03-04-2024
- Michael Barry Hixon, Sr. ~ 08-31-1952 to 01-31-2024
- Charles Vernon Rowe ~ 08-14-1930 to 02-26-2024
NEWS
Commissioners appoint new county counselor
The Linn County Commissioners held several interviews in executive session following their meeting on Monday, Apr. 15, for the position of county counselor, legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners. This week the commissioners appointed Mark Hagen, of Hagen Law Offices,... [More]
La Cygne accepts desludging cost
Biosolid removal at lagoons part of major sewer project La Cygne city leaders have accepted a cost for desludging at two of the city’s three wastewater lagoons. In a unanimous action at their regular meeting last Wednesday, the council approved $412,400 for... [More]
USD 362 sets capacity numbers
District now prepares for lottery applications Prairie View Unified School District 362 has set capacity numbers for the 2024-25 school year. At their monthly meeting April 16, the board of education unanimously adopted capacity of 80 students per grade level at... [More]
More News
- Pull Tabs for Pound Puppies
- Linn County Planning Commission proceeds with prohibiting commercial solar fields
- Commissioners send CUP for rock quarry back to P&Z again
- La Cygne to update police gear
- STARS welding competes at GCCC 2024 competition
- Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation to hold music festival
- SEKMH presents outreach program to commissioners
- Linn Valley residents respond to council appointment
SPORTS
Prairie View softball goes 4-2 in busy week
The Prairie View softball team played three double-headers this past week. On April 15 they hosted Paola and swept the Panthers 16-7 and 8-7. Then on April 16 they traveled to Osage City and split against them losing the first game 4-10 and winning the second 6-3. On April 18... [More]
Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and Oswego
The Pleasanton baseball team recently played league foes St. Paul and Oswego and swept them each in double-headers. On April 15 the team traveled to St. Paul and won both games 13-1 and 16-3 and then on April 22 they hosted Oswego and won both games 15-0 and 17-2. In the... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View track has strong performance at Anderson County
- Jayhawk track wins Pleasanton Invitational
- Pleasanton track hosts home invitational
- Jayhawk softball sweeps Crest
- Prairie View track takes on tough challenge at Paola
- Pleasanton baseball routs Yates Center
- Pleasanton baseball starts season 4-0
- Jayhawk softball sweeps Central Heights, splits against Uniontown
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com