Bobby Joe Demott, 90, of Knoxville, Tenn., born Nov. 6, 1924, died peacefully on March 5, 2015, with his family by his side. Bob was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, dedicated teacher and researcher, veteran, and loyal servant who valued fellowship and active participation in his community. Bob was born in Linn County, Kan., the fourth child of the late Joe and Ruth Demott. He spent his childhood in Blue Mound, Kan., where he attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1943.
Bob’s service in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 included more than two years in the South Pacific for which he received two battle stars. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in 1949, a Master of Science Degree from the University of Idaho in 1951 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Michigan State University in 1954. Bob taught at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, for three years and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for 33 years until his retirement in 1990.
He published prolifically in scientific journals and authored a textbook on his area of expertise: Milk Processing and Food Composition. Bob received national attention for his development of a process to remove radioactive materials from milk. He was a member of several scientific and professional societies, was elected a fellow in the American Society for the Advancement of Science, and was listed in the American Men and Women of Science.
Bob was a loyal and dedicated Mason who published many articles in national Masonic magazines and authored a book on Freemasonry. He held offices in the Knoxville Scottish Rite Bodies, served as editor of a monthly newsletter, librarian, and as Historian of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Bob was made a 33rd Degree Mason in 1985. Bob was a Boy Scout leader, served on the Mayor’s Committee on Civil Defense, and was a member of the Sons of the Revolution. He served as president of the Kentucky-Alabama-Tennessee Association of High Twelve Clubs, president of the local chapter of National Sojourners, and commander of the Heroes of ’76. Bob was an active member of the United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, church school superintendent and as a member of the Governing Board.
Of his many accomplishments in life, Bob was most proud of his large, blended family. He was happiest when surrounded by all the generations during the many gatherings held at the home that he shared with his wife of 36 years, the former Beatrice Smith.
Bob is survived by his wife Bea and her children Judy (Kenny) Mayfield, Donna Atchley, and Steve (Angie) Kidwell; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Bob will be sadly missed by his four siblings, Elberta Evans, Gladys Milsap, Howard (Ernestine) Demott, and Daisy Burrus; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob will be remembered by and held dear in the hearts of his five children, Douglas (Sheila), Jeanette, David, Dennis (Kerry), and Daniel (Libby) Demott; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.highlandmemorialknoxville.com.
OBITUARIES
David Howard McNabb, Ph.D. ~ 06-04-1947 to 05-11-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 David Howard McNabb, 76, passed away May 11, 2024 at home in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. The son of a farmer, Dave was born June 4, 1947, to Henry and Alice (Jackson) McNabb at Pleasanton. Education and research were always... [More]
Marci Ann Betts ~ 08-06-1973 to 05-09-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 Marci Ann Betts, age 50, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024. She was born on Aug. 6, 1973, in Kansas City, Mo. Marci loved her grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them. She enjoyed being outdoors. She... [More]
Randall Jay “Randy” Crisler ~ 10-03-1961 to 05-09-2024
Linn County News Published May 15, 2024 Randall Jay “Randy” Crisler age 62 of Lane, Kan., died Thursday May 9, 2024, at Olathe Medical Center. Randy was born Oct. 03, 1961, in North Kansas City, Mo. He was the eldest of two, born to Larry L. and Janet... [More]
More Obituaries
- Clarence Lee Miller ~ 08-07-1962 to 05-08-2024
- Ruby M. Nielson ~ 01-21-1932 to 04-27-2024
- Patty Conklin ~ 08-31-1932 to 04-26-2024
- Robert “Bob” Eugene Markley ~ 04-11-1936 to 04-15-2024
- Ronald Joe Smith ~ 05-10-1944 to 04-11-2024
- Mary Tinsley ~ 12-15-1935 to 04-09-2024
- Frederick John “Fritz” Johanning, Jr. ~ 08-10-1948 to 03-26-2024
- Doris Maxine Basore ~ 01-02-1920 to 03-10-2024
NEWS
Commissioners hear engineer on Hell’s Bend Bridge
Motion to accept grant funds fails for lack of second Linn County Public Works Administrator Shawn West spoke to Commissioners again this week on the Hell’s Bend bridge project, northwest of La Cygne, noting that a decision needed to be made that day as it was... [More]
Pleasanton pound pups get new kennels
After a warning from the state concerning the condition of Pleasanton’s animal shelter, the city and STARS faculty and students joined forces to create a safer, cleaner environment for dogs held by the city. The new kennels were constructed by STARS welding, construction... [More]
Pleasanton discusses Kansas Police & Fire Pension membership
While trying to hire more police officers, the Pleasanton Council met with KPERS representative Paige Ashley to discuss enrolling the city in Kansas Police and Fire Pension System (KP&F). Ashley explained that the KP&F system is two-tiered as police officers and firemen... [More]
More News
- Commissioners hear reports on Hell’s Bend Bridge
- La Cygne Fire Station ribbon cutting held
- Evergy reps speak about bridges at commissioners’ meeting
- Special: U.S. 69 resurfacing project starts this week
- Special: Governor issues State of Disaster Emergency proclamation for approaching severe weather
- Commissioners hear damage report, declare county as state, local disaster site
- Mayor vetoes vacating 7th Street off of Main
- USD 362 to wait on admin addition
SPORTS
Jayhawk Linn track wins Three Rivers League meet
The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Northeast Arma on May 9 to compete in the Three Rivers League meet. The Hawks were the class of the Three Rivers as both the boys and girls placed first at the meet. The girls placed first with a score of 121 while the boys placed first... [More]
Pleasanton baseball falls in Regional semifinal
The Pleasanton baseball team entered the Central Heights 2-1A Regional tournament as a three seed. The Jays hosted the six seed Jayhawk Linn in their first game on May 8 and won 7-5. The next game was at Central Heights on May 13 where they faced the two seed Crest. This is where... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk and Pleasanton baseball split in double header
- Prairie View softball goes 4-0 against Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk track has a strong performance at home invitational
- Prairie View track takes top two places at Jayhawk
- Pleasanton track has a school record mark set at Jayhawk Invitational
- Prairie View softball goes 4-2 in busy week
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and Oswego
- Jayhawk baseball splits against Southeast Cherokee
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