Mort Walker at Mizzou
From Jon Hamm to Sheryl Crow, Michael Sam and J'Den Cox, (and almost Brad Pitt), the University of Missouri has no shortage of famous alumni. One of the most beloved members of the Tiger family is cartoonist Mort Walker, whose cartoon tales highlighted everyday American life while paying homage to his Alma Mater. Mort Walker Addison Mort Walker (1923 - 2018) was an artist and comic strip creator best known for the creation of Beetle Bailey, a beloved military private who was known for his chronic laziness and juvenile behavior. Walker first arrived at Mizzou in 1943 at age 20 but was drafted only a semester later to serve in World War II. During the war, he served in Italy as an intelligence officer. Walker returned to Mizzou in 1946 and like many other veterans, he found adjusting to civilian life difficult. While Walker hoped to major in journalism, a disagreement over perquisites led the way for him to change his major before graduation. During his time at Mizzou, Walker was