Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
George Kennedy, 84, former managing editor of the Columbia Missourian, died March 20, 2026.
Earning both his undergraduate and doctorate from the University of Missouri, Kennedy joined the faculty in 1974 after earning the latter. While there he was managing editor of the Missourian for 12 years, as well as chair of the editorial department and associate dean.
He co-authored multiple books on news reporting and writing, along with three other faculty members, as part of The Missouri Group. After retiring, he wrote a column for the Missourian on city issues.
Prior to his role teaching journalism, Kennedy worked at daily newspapers, including the Miami Herald and the News Journal in Wilmington, Del.
The family requests donations be made to the George Kennedy Columbia Missourian Endowment or the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.
