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
Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites ~ 02-13-1941 to 03-26-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites, age 84, of Mound City, Kan., passed away peacefully in her sleep March 26, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center, after an extended illness. Born on Feb. 13, 1941, the third child of Jacob and... [More]
Frank Scott DeRemus ~ 06-21-1967 to 03-04-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Frank Scott DeRemus age 57 of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Blue Mound. Scott was born June 21, 1967, in Olathe, Kan., to Frank Fox and Sharon K. (Chadwick) DeRemus. On August 11, 1994,... [More]
Douglas Eugene Joseph ~ 08-06-1964 to 03-16-2025

Linn County News Published April 2, 2025 Douglas Eugene Joseph, 60, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Doug was born on Aug. 6, 1964, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Jean Ann Jones. He graduated from high school... [More]
More Obituaries
- Linda Sue Tyson ~ 01-24-1942 to 03-21-2025
- Brent Ross Wheeler ~ July 27, 1956 – March 22, 2025
- Alice Walker ~ 09-03-1928 to 03-20-2025
- Colton James McCammon ~ 08-26-2003 to 03-15-2025
- Kenneth Lawrence Sloan ~ 01-24-1950 to 03-11-2025
- Lois Joan Streeter ~ 11-18-1931 to 03-05-2025
- Lila R. McCarty ~ 05-21-1938 to 03-08-2025
- Norma Jean Harvey ~ 09-26-1935 to 02-21-2025
NEWS
SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]
SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]
Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]
More News
- La Cygne accepts deed conveyance on split vote
- Commissioners hear from resident on subdivision meeting
- SPECIAL: K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon
- Linn Valley imposes moratorium on new water and sewer construction
- Wind and fire damage dots county
- County hears from Tanglewood residents during public comment
- Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road
- Board votes to extend Meik contract
SPORTS
2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season. As... [More]
2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [More]
More Sports
- A season in review: Jayhawk Linn wrestling
- A season in review: Prairie View wrestling
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up
- Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha
- Case leads Prairie View girls’ wrestling with a second-place finish
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State
OBITUARIES POLICY
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

