ALLAN “ARKANSAS AL” LEE JANSSEN,
became a memory on January 30, 2021. He was born in Hooper, Neb., on December 13, 1935. Al is survived by his wife Joann of 51 years, two step-children, David Peterson and his wife Pamela, Judy Ford and her husband Bill, grand-children, Tabitha Chastain (Rob), and Andrew. Great-grandchildren, Aiden, Allen Lee and Kiah. His sister, Jean Kinport, two nieces and families. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth and father, Charles and infant sister, Evelyn. Brother in law, Chip Kinport.
Al was a 1953 graduate of Fremont High School and graduated from Midland College in 1957. Al served 8 years in the United States Army. He worked for Hormel foods for over 45 years as a district manager. Known as “Arkansas Al” he loved all sports, baseball, basketball, bowling, golf and football. Al served as the color man beside Jim Elder for the broadcast of the Arkansas Travelers games for many years. He assisted Paul Eels with stats for many years. He loved singing “Take me out to the ballgame” in the 7th inning stretch at the baseball games. He helped UALR Sports and loved attending the games and getting together with the Tip-In Club. Al and his wife Joann could not go anywhere that someone would holler “Al how are you”. Al and his very dear friend John Sutton loved attending the UALR games and working for AARP together. Al would put together trips to Dickie Stevens for baseball games and take Bob Dorer and John Stutton and their families to the games and the mascot would come see everyone and take pictures.
He also loved helping raise money for Make a Wish foundation and being the one giving the very sick children the gift they asked for at the ballpark. Al assisted with several charitable organizations. He also worked with Meals on Wheels for over 20 years delivering meals. Al was also called the Volunteer of Public Schools because he would go to different schools speaking to the students.
The Trojan Legion Club will be sponsoring an athletic scholarship in honor of “Arkansas Al”. Contributions may be made payable to: U of A Little Rock and notate “Arkansas Al’ they can be mailed to Jack Stephens Center ATTN: Tyson Baldwin, 2801 S. University Ave, Little Rock, Ark., 72204, or call 501-340-4653. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with Al’s family at: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.