Linus Henry Deters

Linus Henry Deters, 90, of Baileyville, Kansas, was born on June 20, 1935, in Axtell, Kansas, and passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Life Care in Seneca, Kansas.

Linus attended Baileyville School and completed the 8th grade, beginning a life marked by grit, dedication, and humility.

On April 3, 1956, Linus married the love of his life, Reva (Droge), at St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Benedict, Kansas. Together they shared an extraordinary 68 years of marriage. They began their life together on a farm southwest of Centralia and later moved, in 1963, to a farm south of Baileyville where they raised five children and built a legacy grounded in faith, love, and hard work. Linus was deeply devoted to Reva, missing her dearly after her passing on March 6, 2025. Their love was unwavering, loyal, and inspiring, and it brings comfort to know they are now reunited.

Linus proudly served his country in the Kansas Army National Guard from June 1959 to September 1962, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5) with Battery A, 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 130th Field Artillery.

A man of strong and steadfast faith, Linus was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish. He served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharistic minister, and was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith guided his life and shaped the way he cared for others.

Nothing brought Linus more joy than his family, a cold Pepsi, a can of chew, and being out on the farm. Even up until his final days, he would ask his sons every single day what they were doing on the farm. His face would light up when he talked about it, and it was rare to see him without a smile. He was always concerned about others before himself- offering quiet support, encouragement, and love in the simplest, most genuine ways.

Linus is survived by his children: Gregory (Denise) Deters of Centralia, KS; Jean Mosher (Dale Blanton) of Topeka, KS; Sheila (Rod) Lewis of St. Petersburg, FL; Darrin (Cheryl) Deters of Baileyville, KS; and Debbie (Don) Berkley of Lenexa, KS. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, including 3 granddaughters and 13 grandsons, and 24 great-grandchildren, including 3 great-granddaughters and 21 great-grandsons, all of whom he loved deeply and was immensely proud of.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Reva; his brothers Clarence and Leonard Deters; and his sisters Henrietta Deters (infant), Dolores Schmitz, Evelyn Olberding, Rita Schmitz, Dorothy Cain, and Elizabeth "Betty" Kramer.

Memorials may be made in Linus's name to Sacred Heart Hall Building.

Linus lived a life of purpose, faith, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. He leaves this world the same way he approached every day… with a smile on his face.