William Kevin Brennan

1951 - 2025

William Kevin Brennan of Collinsville, IL, retired lifelong journalist and news director, devoted husband, and OG girl dad, died Monday, June 16, 2025, at his home in Savannah, GA. He was 73.

Kevin was born December 12, 1951, in Collinsville, Illinois, to Dorthy Brennan (née Wedemeyer) and Joseph Brennan, and his brother Joseph Brennan Jr. He graduated from Collinsville High School and continued his education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Loyola University New Orleans.

A lifelong journalist, Kevin began his career in radio at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Two weeks after marrying the love of his life, Nancy Kimutis, they moved to Texas to pursue his growing career in broadcast journalism. His first television job was in Port Arthur, Texas. From there, it was off to the races - with more radio and TV stops in Texas, then Denver, where he fell in love with both the mountains and the Broncos.

After four snowy years, the Brennans traded winter for heat, relocating to New Orleans. There, Kevin photographed gators in the swamp, caught all the Mardi Gras throws for his daughters, and fully embraced the laissez les bons temps rouler life. Five years later, the family moved to Florida, living in both Jacksonville and Tampa. The final move was to Savannah, Georgia, where Kevin and Nancy stayed put for over 20 years - a first in their adventure-filled life.

Along with the incredible teams he led, Kevin received numerous professional honors, including multiple Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Awards, and a Peabody for the impactful Buddy Check 12 program in Jacksonville, FL. But for Kevin, journalism was more than accolades - it was a mission. Teaching young journalists and nurturing their passion was one of his greatest callings.

Basketball was his first love. The Beatles were his second. Nancy Kimutis was his third - and ultimate.

Kevin loved sports: a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and Florida Gators. He was a Beatles encyclopedia, a voracious reader, and affectionately known as "Encyclopedia Man" by his family.

The OG Girl Dad, Kevin never missed a recital, swim meet, or milestone. He was endlessly proud of his daughters and delighted in being "Poppy" to his grandchildren.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Brennan (née Kimutis); daughter Jessica Brennan Zengel and her husband Chris Zengel; their children Jaxon and Monroe; and daughter Lindsay Brennan.

The family is together and supporting one another. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Humane Society, two causes close to Kevin's heart.