Thomas Andrew Lensing Sr.

THOMAS ANDREW LENSING SR., 82, of Little Rock died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 19th, 2010. At his request, his body will be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program for Medical Research at UAMS. He was born in Scranton, Ark., where he was a member of St. Ignatius Church. He graduated from Subiaco Academy in 1946. A Navy veteran of WWII, he served in the Pacific theater aboard the USS Hooper Island. He graduated from Southern School of Printing in Nashville, Tenn., and was retired from the Arkansas Democrat and International Graphics. He was past president of the Catholic Knights of America, catcher for the Knights of Columbus 1950's fast-pitch softball team, a long-time member of International Typographical Union and a dedicated member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Emma Jean Burris; four children, Catherine Lensing Harper (husband, Paul) of Highland Park, Texas, Thomas "Bud" Lensing (wife, Kathe) of Albuquerque, N.M., Barbara Lensing of Little Rock and Eric Lensing (wife, Shelly) of Roland, Ark.; and grandchildren, Leslie Clute and Emma and Charles Harper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Anna Lensing of Scranton, Ark.; three sisters and five brothers. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, rode a winner every racing day at Oaklawn Park and golfed the Masters, all from his favorite living room chair. He loved hummingbirds, sitting in the shade in his backyard and growing the best tomatoes. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care Foundation, 2200 S. Bowman Rd., LR 72211. The family gratefully appreciates the compassionate care he received by Dr. Rammos, Michelle and the rest of the staff at the SICU at St. Vincent's, as well as all the thoughtful staff at Hospice Home Care of Little Rock.