Dr. Kenneth George McNutt, age 84, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 6:20 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at his home.

A private family burial will be held at Bluff Hall Cemetery in Fall Creek, IL.

Dr. McNutt's family will hold a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Roland Fine Arts Center at Hannibal-LaGrange University.

The family is being served by Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Kenneth was born on September 1, 1942, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Robert and Ruth (Wollbrink) McNutt.

He was united in marriage to Sandra Amos on February 11, 1967, in Macomb, IL. She survives him.

Other survivors include his children, Tony McNutt and wife Rebecca of Kansas City, MO, Renee McNutt of Hannibal, MO, and Aaron McNutt and wife Miriam of Garden City, MO; sister, Linda Hoskins and husband Jim of Payson, IL; and grandchildren, Cliff, Claire, Joy, Miracle, and Silviah.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.

Kenneth graduated from Payson Seymour High School and continued his education at Carthage College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in English. He later earned his master's degree from Western Illinois University and his doctorate from Nova University in Florida.

Known to generations of students as Dr. McNutt, Kenneth was a longtime English professor at Hannibal-LaGrange College, now Hannibal-LaGrange University. Throughout his distinguished career, he played an instrumental role in the university's English Department and in the lives of countless students. He served for several years as chair of the English Department, as well as chair of the Humanities Division.

Dr. McNutt set high standards for his students while encouraging them to achieve their fullest potential. His dedication to education extended far beyond the classroom. He established HLG's chapter of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, which recognizes the top 10 percent of juniors, seniors, and graduate students. He also founded the Honors Program and served as its sponsor for many years. In addition, Dr. McNutt established the Harlaxton Program, providing students and faculty the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.

In recognition of his dedication to education and the lasting impact he made throughout his career, Dr. McNutt received the Distinguished Professor Award and the Governor's Award for his longtime commitment to teaching and higher education.

Outside the classroom, Kenneth was an accomplished pianist who shared his love of music with others by teaching piano to numerous area students and children over the years. He also had a great love for travel, particularly to England, and enjoyed returning there whenever he had the opportunity.

Above all, Kenneth's greatest joy was spending time with his family. He also deeply valued the many friendships he developed with the colleagues and students he taught and worked alongside throughout his distinguished career.

Kenneth faithfully shared both his musical talents and his faith through his involvement in the church. He served as pianist at Southside Baptist Church and Fifth Street Baptist Church in Hannibal. Additionally, served as a deacon at Fifth Street Baptist church in Hannibal and Central Baptist Church in Quincy. He was currently a member of Central Baptist Church in Quincy, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hannibal-LaGrange University or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Kenneth's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com