Linn County News
Published Dec. 16, 2020
Gary Michael Smethers, 75, of Selma, died Dec. 11, 2020, at his home after a brief illness. He was born on June 5, 1945, to his parents, Ivan and Thelma Lou (Cochran) Smethers.
Smethers is perhaps best known to farmers in Anderson and adjoining counties as a mechanic at Gem Farm Supply, the former Allis Chalmers dealership in Garnett, where he worked for nearly 30 years. During harvest season, it was not unusual for him to be dispatched to wheat or corn fields throughout east central Kansas to do emergency repairs on equipment. He was known for his dedication to customer service and his support of people in the agribusiness industry.
Mike attended elementary school in Selma, and completed his education at Kincaid Rural High School, where he graduated in 1963. He attended college at Pittsburg State University for a year before joining the United States Army in 1966. Following basic training, he was sent to Vietnam where he served with distinction, earning both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. For the rest of his life, Mike remained proud of his service in Vietnam and was known for seeking out other Vietnam veterans to share memories about the war and its impact on their lives.
Many people in the area knew Mike Smethers through his varied interests and hobbies. To many friends, he was a fan of dirt track racing, and he often traveled throughout eastern Kansas and western Missouri to attend races. To others, Mike was a lover of the outdoors who enjoyed biking (he made many friends while riding the Prairie Spirit Trail between Garnett and Colony) and he often took long walks through the woods and the prairie collecting rocks and photographing flowers, trees and wildlife. Others knew him as an avid hunter, a sport he enjoyed most of his life. Other friends may remember Mike as a lover of rock and roll music, who later in life taught himself how to play bass guitar and the drums. He enjoyed local and regional history and was a regular presence at area museums and historic sites. But, above all, no matter the setting or the interest, Mike is best known as a man who genuinely enjoyed meeting people and striking up conversations.
Mike married Lorna VanMeter of Mildred in 1971. Their son, William, was born in December of that year. Mike relished being a father and grandfather and loved nothing more than being with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Thelma Lou Smethers. He is survived by his son, William Smethers and his wife Jill of Lawrence; their son Bryce; and his brother, Steven Smethers of Manhattan.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service will not be held at this time. Persons wishing to remember Mike may make donations to the Wounded Warriors Fund in care of the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Kansas, P.O. Box 525 Pleasanton, Kan. 66075. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.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
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com