Vannie Hugh (Van) Michael was born Oct. 16, 1938, to parents, Oscar Arthur and Leta Barton Michael, in Sickles, Caddo County, Okla. He passed away in Seton Highland Lakes Hospital after a tragic accident at his home in Burnet (Silver Creek) on Aug. 17, 2015.
His family lived in rural Colorado (near the little community of Kim), where, as a young man, he trained horses for many of the local ranchers. He was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on June 25, 1950. After his parents were divorced in 1950, he lived with his loving grandparents, Vannie and Ivy Michael, in Pritchett, Colo., until he graduated from high school.
During Van’s life, he was always a cowboy at heart – having started on the rodeo circuit at the age of 13. He went on to pursue his dream and became a professional bronc rider reaching national finals and winning many trophies, saddles and belt buckles throughout the years.
He was a welder and did pipeline work all over the U.S. and Canada from 1967 to 2013. He was also a lowboy driver and hauled heavy equipment cross-country. He owned and operated many drilling companies and bought, refurbished and sold drilling equipment in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 234 Union, Des Moines, Iowa, and a member of Teamsters Local 150, Sacramento, Calif.
Van is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lee Michael, whom he married on Dec. 11, 2009; his son, Derek Van Michael of Burnet; and daughter, Danielle Michael of Kansas; four grandsons, his namesake Van Arthur Michael, Dalton Karr; Gavin Tice and Jarren Lewis; one granddaughter, Jacey Lewis; a stepdaughter, Lisa Tice; a stepson, Ed Lewis; two sisters, Virginia Michael Owens of Burnet, and Debbie Rochester and husband Johnny Rochester of Burnet; and sister-in-law Dolores Michael of Burnet; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of life-long friends and acquaintances.
Van was predeceased by his loving grandparents who raised him; both parents; his son Joe Michael; three brothers, Robert L. Michael Sr., A. J. Michael and William Michael; a sister, Fern Michael Smith; two stepchildren, Tina Lewis and Jason Lewis; a nephew, Dennis Michael; and a niece, Deena Michael.
Funeral services were at the funeral home chapel on Friday, Aug. 21, with burial following at Post Mountain Cemetery in Burnet, Texas.
Funeral arrangements made by Edgar & Jenkins Family Funeral Home, 109 North Main Street, Burnet, Texas 78611 (512) 756-4444.

OBITUARIES

Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

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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]

Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025

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Linn County News Published July 23, 2025   Jean Driskell, age 82, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, July 18, 2025.   Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation... [More]

Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025

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Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Burton Clyde Brownback, age 72, Tri-Ko resident in Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Clyde and Shirley Drake Brownback. He graduated from Prairie View... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]

Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

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  On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]

Commissioners review departmental budgets

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SEKMHC budget cut   During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]

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SPORTS

Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

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Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]

Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

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The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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