Former Skiff editor and TCU alumnus dies at 53
By Joi Harris
Skiff Staff

Johnny Livengood, a former Skiff editor and journalism alumnus, died Saturday of a heart attack. He was 53.

Livengood, who edited for the Skiff in the spring of 1971, was working as the night news editor of (washingtonpost.com), The Washington Post’s Web site.

During his career, Livengood was an assistant news editor at The Washington Post, news editor of the Palm Beach Post and editor of the Arlington Daily News.

Livengood also served the Dallas Times Herald in several capacities including night national desk supervisor and metro news editor.

In a letter written before his death, Livengood credited Bob Carroll, former head of the journalism department, for pointing him toward a journalism career.

In a letter to university spokeswoman Kelli Horst, Livengood stated that he had wanted to be a pre-law major, but an appointment with Carroll inspired him to change his mind. Horst, who is also a graduate student here, is working on a history of the journalism department.

Livengood also wrote that a special project on magazine editing taught by Doug Newsom, a professor of journalism, was one of his most rewarding classes at TCU.

Newsom said Livengood was “wonderfully creative” and possessed sound news judgment even on the most hectic days.

Livengood is survived by his wife of 12 years, Michelle, and two children: Jennifer Livengood and William Daniel Livengood.