Linn County News
Published November 13, 2024
Russell (Rusty) Alan Taylor went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at his home in Pittsburg, Kan., at the age of 58 years, 2 months and 18 days.
Russell was born August 19, 1966, to Hubert Adam Taylor, Jr. and Sharon Joyce (Gregg) Taylor. Russell attended elementary and junior high school in Urich and Lee’s Summit, Mo., transferring to Pleasanton, Kan., for high school where he graduated in 1984.
He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in his youth. In his teens and young adult life, he was active at First Baptist Church of Pleasanton. Upon moving to Pittsburg, he attended Christ Community Church for several years, then transferred to South Broadway Baptist Church, remaining there until his death.
In high school, Russell enjoyed participating in band, football, track and basketball (affectionately earning the title Wrong Way Rusty). After high school, he was involved in the ROTC program while attending Pittsburg State University. In 1989, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves.
In January 2001, Russell married Sue Ouderkirk. Russell adored his two stepdaughters, Brittany and Lauren, amused by their many antics. The family was blessed with a son, Anthony (Tony) Hubert Taylor, in 2002. Tony was the apple of Russell’s eye. His life from that point on focused on being a wonderful father to Tony, with his most important goal being for Tony to grow up with a love for Jesus. When Tony passed away in July of 2019, Russell knew in his heart that Tony was home with the Lord, which was his greatest comfort as he adjusted to life without him. There’s never been a more proud and devoted father.
Russell was a dedicated KC Chiefs and Royals fan, rarely missing a televised game with his beloved dachshund, Casey, by his side. Russell and Tony exchanged much good-natured ribbing over their opposing favorite teams. Russell was also a staunch Republican. We can all be assured he is rejoicing in heaven over the recent presidential election.
Russell worked in sales for many years in and around Pittsburg and Pleasanton. At the time of his death, he was a warranty sales consultant at Metro Appliances in Joplin, Mo. The Metro family would attest to Russell’s competitive nature. Whether it was having the top sales in warranties or picking the winning football teams for the week, he always wanted to be the “top dog.” He will be missed.
Russell is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Hubert Taylor; his father, Hubert Adam Taylor, Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Hubert and Virginia Taylor, Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Harold and Carol Gregg.
He is survived by his mother, Sharon Joyce (Gregg) Akins of Bolivar, Mo.; stepdaughters Brittany Smith and Lauren Henson (Michael), all of Pittsburg, Kan.; stepmothers, Cindy Dawson (Randall) of Mound City, Kan., and Jackie Taylor of Pleasanton, Kan.; brothers Richard Gregg (Jodie) of Fair Play, Mo.; Charles Taylor (Barbara) of Harrisonville, Mo.; Chad Taylor of St. Robert, Mo.; Kyle Walker (Berenice) of Gladstone, Mo.; sisters Katherine Gupton of Phoenix, Ariz. and Teresa Fry (David) of Mountain Grove, Mo.; several aunts and uncles, seven step-grandchildren, and 19 nieces and nephews.
Russell is also survived by his close friends John and Suezette Fleske, and children, who have been ever present, loving, and helpful to him throughout his good times and rough times. Russell was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Russell will be cremated under the direction of Midland Cremation Society of Joplin. Interment will be at a later date at Fisher Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kan.
A celebration of life will be held at South Broadway Baptist Church, 1322 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kan. 66762 on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tony Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by South Broadway Baptist Church.
OBITUARIES
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
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- NOTICE
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SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- 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
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
OBITUARIES POLICY
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

