Ken Leinart: Award-winning journalist, gifted storyteller dies at 63
KEN LEINART
He was a friend to the many who had the honor to know him, and he loved his family, his friends and this community, where he served for nearly 30 years as the editor of The Courier News until his retirement on Oct. 27, 2023..
Leinart was the consummate old-school newspaperman, whose reporting, writing and editing embodied the principles of real journalism: He presented the news truthfully, fairly, accurately and without bias, and never with a hidden agenda.
Besides the writing he enjoyed so much, especially his often humorous columns in the newspaper, Leinart lived for his music and baseball, especially his beloved Chicago White Sox. And he was so looking forward to yet another Major League Baseball season opening later this month.
On Facebook, he was famous for posting lyrics of his particular “song of the day,” and reminding us in the middle of a cold winter that it was only “36 days until pitchers and catchers report.”
But he won’t get to see his White Sox play this year.
On Monday, March 3, just 24 days before the first game of the White Sox’ 2025 season, Kenneth Leinart passed away unexpectedly at his home in Powell, at the still-young age of 63.
“Ken was the face of The Courier News for many years,” said Tony Cox, the newspaper’s publisher. “He was a gifted feature writer and an award-winning humor columnist, and was always willing to support local education and causes.
“It was a privilege to work directly with him for the past six years,” Cox said. “Even though he retired in 2023, we still missed him and the impact he had on his newspaper family.”
“I feel so badly,” Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank said shortly after hearing of Leinart’s death. “I’m kind of in shock about it.
“He so loved writing -- and he really loved community. I actually think it was love of community that made him love the journalism business.
“He loved to shine the light on the good things, whether it was baseball, or a good song, or a special person, or a big event,” Frank said.
Other local leaders expressed similar sentiments.
“Ken Leinart’s passing is a tremendous loss to our community,” Rick Meredith, president of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, said Friday. “Ken was not just a talented writer for The Courier News, he was a storyteller who brought our community to life through his words.
“His passion for journalism and dedication to covering Anderson County sports made a lasting impact,” Meredith said. “He was a true professional and a friend to many, and he will be deeply missed.”
Kelly Johnson, director of Clinton City Schools, praised Leinart for his role in helping boost literacy in the community.
“Ken was always a strong supporter of Clinton City Schools,” Johnson said Friday. “He was instrumental in helping us share our Blaze Well-Rounded Program with the community via The Courier News.
“He recognized the importance of literacy and made it a priority to celebrate excellence,” she said. “For several years, he awarded a teacher at each school with the Dr. Seuss Literacy Award, accompanied by a $100 gift. “He celebrated the success of Clinton City Schools, and had a heart for children. He will be greatly missed.”
Clinton Mayor Scott Burton said, “I will always remember Ken as always being kind, courteous, and most of all, fair. Ken always looked at the ‘other side of the story,’ and not just what was told to him.
“Most of all, I will remember Ken as a friend, someone I always enjoyed seeing and talking with. I never had a bad conversation with Ken; always pleasant,” he said.
According to his obituary released by Weaver Funeral Home in Knoxville, Kenneth Leinart was born on Oct. 17, 1961, in Covington, Kentucky.
He pursued his education at Illinois Central University. He built a distinguished career as the editor of The Clinton Courier, where his dedication to journalism earned him numerous Tennessee Press Association awards.
Even after retirement, his passion for storytelling continued as a freelance writer for the Knoxville Focus.
Ken had a deep love for history, particularly the Civil War and World War II.
A devoted baseball fan, he cheered enthusiastically for the Chicago White Sox. His appreciation for music was another defining aspect of his life.
Ken will be deeply missed by his wife, Elizabeth Leinart; son, Drew Leinart; and daughter Avery Leinart.
He is also survived by his father, William Leinart; brothers Ron (Becky) Leinart, John (Leslie) Leinart, and Joe (Missy) Leinart; aunts, Jeri Wells and June Wells; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by [his] mother, Joyce Wells Leinart.
Ken will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. His willingness to help others left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date and time.
Condolences may be offered at weaverfuneralhome.com
