Edward "Eddie" Harrison Linhart

EDWARD “EDDIE” HARRISON LINHART

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward “Eddie” Harrison Linhart, who passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 25, following a courageous eight‑year battle with Multiple Myeloma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. At the time of his passing, Eddie had been recovering from a bone marrow transplant in Omaha, Nebraska.

Eddie was born on October 12, 1962, in Emporia, Kansas, to Ruth Hess Linhart and Clarence Linhart. The only boy among eight children, he grew up with seven sisters. He was raised in Lebo, Kansas, and graduated with the Lebo High School Class of 1980. Eddie adored his classmates and deeply cherished the two class reunions hosted at his home in recent years.

After high school and a brief semester of college, Eddie worked for the Lebo Grain Elevator, Wolf Creek, Rylie Construction, the City of Lebo, Bunge Grain Elevator, and the City of Reading, until illness forced him into retirement. He also co‑owned two of his favorite hometown establishments in Lebo—The Heidi Inn for five years and Linhart Liquor for two years.

Eddie was a high school and small‑college football and basketball referee for nearly 20 years. Well known and highly respected in coaching circles throughout Kansas, he earned a reputation for fairness and integrity on both the court and the field. Coaches, players, and fans alike knew that when Eddie officiated, the game would be called right. He cherished late nights with his officiating crews and fondly relived stories from games and road trips until the very end.

In 2013, Eddie married the love of his life, Jane Cookson Scott, and together they made their home in Lebo.

Eddie found his greatest joy outdoors and in the company of others. A lifelong athlete, he participated in numerous sports both in school and beyond. Born with a disability, Eddie never let it define him or limit his athletic pursuits. Hunting and golf were his greatest passions—and often the reason he held multiple jobs to support those “habits.” Stories from legendary hunting trips and memorable golf outings will live on through the many memories shared with friends and family. Eddie also loved attending sporting events at every level, from high school to the pros. His favorite teams included Lebo High School, Emporia State University, the University of Kansas, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Eddie was known for his larger‑than‑life personality. He could light up any room and truly never met a stranger. Unofficially known as the “Mayor of Lebo,” he knew everyone—and everyone knew him. More than anything, Eddie will be remembered for his generous heart. He loved deeply, laughed often, and lived authentically. Throughout his long fight with cancer, he displayed remarkable grit, resilience, strength, and an unwavering will to survive.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Jane, of the home; his stepson, Austin Klumpe (Elise); and his two step‑grandchildren, Cameron and Quintin, who were the light of his world. He is also survived by his sisters: Pam (Gerry) Burg of Michigan; Carol (Martin) Jones of Lebo; Kathy Linhart of Topeka; Gayle Rice of Derby; Mary Craig of Carbondale; Julie (John) Lavin of Topeka; and Sharon Hoover of Georgia. Additional survivors include his sisters‑in‑law, Dana Cookson; Amy Cookson Koehler (Matt) of Arizona; and Casey Cookson Zans (Eric) of Shawnee; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a wide community of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Clarence Linhart.

A celebration of Eddie’s life will be held Friday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Lebo High School Gymnasium, followed by a graveside service at Lincoln Cemetery. The celebration will continue at The Heidi Inn immediately following the graveside service, with lunch provided for all. Eddie’s request was that everyone wear what is comfortable—your “I’m Betting on #19” apparel or your favorite team’s gear. Just be yourself, as Eddie unapologetically was.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia State University Athletic Fund or the Osage City Golf Course for a memorial tree or bench. Memorials may be sent to Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Gone too soon but never forgotten.