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Linn County News

Published Oct. 13, 2021

On Oct. 6, 2021, William Dean “Bill” Potter, Pittsburg, Kan., moved to eternal rest from the family home where he was lovingly cared for by his daughter and wife. Bill was born on Nov. 30, 1946, to Orville and Virginia Potter in Columbus, Kan. He grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and sacrifice from his mother and stepfather, Raymond Simpson.

Bill graduated from Columbus High School in 1964 and went on to complete electrical trade school at Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He completed additional college instruction at Pittsburg and Washburn University in Topeka. He was a master electrician and learned all things related to construction through his job experiences. He worked for Masonite for 18 years, retiring in 2006. His daughter was known to say “my dad can build anything.” He was both creative and talented, taking pride in building things that were unique and would last.

Bill joined the army in 1968, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant Special Forces Pathfinder where he was awarded a purple heart, two silver stars and four bronze stars among other citations. He was a paratrooper, sharpshooter and served as a jump instructor at the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. On March 12, 1976, he was united in marriage to Deborah Post. She survives of the home.

Bill loved all things in nature especially his birds, dogs and faithful cats. He built structures for their comfort and protection and often tried to convince his wife to let them move into the home.

Bill was a private man who didn’t like personal attention but was very public in his confession to Christ. He was baptized into the Christian faith on Dec. 8, 2019.

Bill is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, Alicia Burk (Bob) of Pittsburg, Kan.; brothers, Bob Potter (Kathy) of Kansas City, and Derris Simpson (Cheryl) of Weir, Kan.; nephews, Darreld (Laura) Simpson of Weir,  Kan., Matt Simpson (Spring), Richard Potter (Holly), and Mike Potter (Holly); special in-laws, Greg and Sandy Post of Mapleton; and friends who he regarded as family, Phil and Diana Carter, Phil and Sherry Jagels, Judy and Dale Dufrene, Anna Kinghorne, Connie Stewart and many others.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at the Countryside Christian Church with Pastor Jim Frech officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Mapleton Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Countryside Christian Church or the SEK Interlocal Foundation. In consideration for others, the family asks that friends and family adhere to the covid-19 safety protocols while participating in the services. The service will be live streamed on the following website, brennermortuary.com, through William’s obituary page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg.

OBITUARIES

Geneva Darlene Jennings ~ 11-15-1939 to 10-12-2025

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Linn County News Published October 15, 2025 Geneva Darlene Jennings, age 85, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. She was born on Nov. 15, 1939, at Trading Post, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Daisy Rittinghouse Purdy. She graduated from Pleasanton High... [More]

Mary Margaret Wilson ~ 01-08-1930 to 10-13-2025

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Linn County News Published October 15, 2025 Mary Margaret Wilson of Mound City, Kan., age 95, was called home to be with the Lord Oct. 13, 2025. She resided at the Anew Healthcare facility in Pleasanton, Kan. She was born in La Cygne, Kan., to Edwin Josheph Riley and Eva... [More]

Letha Spillman ~ 06-19-1929 to 10-02-2025

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Linn County News Published October 8, 2025   Letha Spillman, age 96, of Kincaid, Kan., passed away at her home on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Letha Nadine Miller was born on June 19, 1929, in Blue Mound, Kan. Letha was born on the farm that was homesteaded by her grandfather.... [More]

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NEWS

Suit filed in Sunshine Meadows building permit case

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SPORTS

Lady Jays host league triangular and competes at Uniontown

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The Pleasanton volleyball team had a busy week. First the team hosted a Three Rivers League triangular on Sept. 30 against Jayhawk Linn and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 4 the team traveled to Uniontown for the Uniontown Volleyball Invitational. To see the full article, check... [More]

Jayhawk volleyball has a busy successful week

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The Jayhawk volleyball team was busy this past week as they had games on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, and Oct. 4. They traveled to Pleasanton on Sept. 30 to play a TRL triangular against Pleasanton and Altoona Midway. Then on Oct. 2 they hosted TRL foes Chetopa and Oswego. Then on Oct.... [More]

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The Jayhawk Linn football team had a big game this past Friday on Oct. 3. Not only was it their Homecoming game but it was also a TRL/District game against their in-county rival the Pleasanton Blu-Jays. Both teams played hard and one could tell that both teams really wanted... [More]

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OBITUARIES POLICY

• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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