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
Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Ruth Ann Antrim, formerly Hueston, passed away July 7, 2025, after bravely battling cancer for many years. Ruth Ann was 74 years old. She lived and worked in the Mound City and Fort Scott, Kan., areas her... [More]
Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Helen Maxine Wright, age 86, formerly of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away at her home in Abbyville, Kan., on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Community... [More]
Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Kelly Kehl, age 87, of Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his rural Mound City home. Kelly was born March 25, 1938, south of Parker, Kan., to Keith (Tom) Emerson Kehl and Helen Edith (Giffin) Kehl. Kelly... [More]
More Obituaries
- 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
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025
- Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
NEWS
Commissioners discuss various budgets

SEKMHC in mix At the end of a meeting attended by two of the three commissioners, a discussion was held regarding several of the proposed budgets for next year. Commissioners Alison Hamilton and Jim Johnson first discussed the proposed budget for Southeast Kansas Mental Health.... [More]
City learns of fire gear condition

Pleasanton Fire Department ISO inspection July 16 Following the appointment of new Fire Chief Jimmy Watts as Pleasanton Fire Chief, the Pleasanton Council heard of the condition of bunker gear Monday night at their bi-weekly meeting. Watts reported the truck ran with the... [More]
La Cygne leaders discuss food truck follow-up

Police chief to draft updated clarifying ordinance La Cygne leaders anticipate considering a draft ordinance soon on transient food trucks following discussion at last Wednesday’s regular council meeting precipitated by a local business owner’s complaint last month.... [More]
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- special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case
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- NOTICE:
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- Commissioners discuss development zoning appeals
- Questions on employee emails leads to lengthy discussion
- NOTICE:
- Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners
SPORTS
Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament

The team called Nobodys wins the Blue Mound 4th of July co-ed softball tournament on July 5. This year the tournament consisted of eight teams. The Nobodys is Keith Morrell’s team and has been a part of the softball tournament since it started three years ago.
Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship

The Pleasanton 12-14 baseball team wins their league tournament on June 30 to July 1. Pleasanton hosted the tournament and won in the championship against La Cygne 11-7.
More Sports
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

