Robert Donald "Pete" Janssen

Robert Donald "Pete" Janssen went home to be with his Lord on Friday, May 20, 2011. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. December 16, 1919. He was the son of Gustav Adolph and Eleanor Walker Janssen. He grew up in New Jersey, where he graduated from high school. He participated in all sports including his favorite, ice hockey, where he played goalie. It was here that he received his nickname, Pistol Pete, after the Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder, Pistol Pete Reiser. He attended Drew University in Madison, N.J.

He enlisted in the Navy in WWII, and was a decorated Marine aviator. He flew off of carriers. He received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and Two Air Medals. He was stationed in China and Korea as well as serving out his enlistment in the States. While in Korea, he was named the all star goalie of the North China Hockey League. He was discharged in 1956 after 14 years of service.

On October 29, 1943 he met Anne Kathleen Black while stationed at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. They were married the following June 7, 1944. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, daughter Lynn Hood, of Dallas, Texas, and son Robert Donald Janssen, Jr., wife Evelyn of Sugar Land, Texas, grandsons Dwight Hood, Jr., wife Debbie of Austin, Texas, Corbin Foster Janssen of Sugar Land, granddaughter, Hayley Kathleen Adarmes, husband Alex of Richmond, Texas, great granddaughters, Jessica Darby and Reese Shannon Hood, great grandson, Weston Williams Adarmes, niece, Mary Coons of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and her two sons, Jimmy and Robbie Coons, a nephew, Campbell Harris, Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and devoted friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Harris, beloved grandmother Mary Miranda Winters, grandson Shannon Janssen Hood and son-in-law Dwight Edward Hood, Sr.

After serving in the military, Pete started a 29 year career in 1956 with El Paso Natural Gas Company. He moved to Midland in 1971, was active at First Baptist Church for 40 years, did community service and really enjoyed golf with friends. He served as president of the Permian Basin Landmen’s Association in 1977. He also served as a juror twice for the Midland County Grand Jury, once as foreman.

The family wishes to thank all of Pete’s physicians and staff at Midland Memorial Hospital, Health South and Texas Oncology for their compassionate and devoted care.

Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Church of Midland, 2104 W. Louisiana, Midland, Texas 79701 designated for the Building Fund or to a charity of one’s choice.

A private family entombment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Mausoleum. Honorary pall bearers will be Donald Janssen, Jr., Dwight Hood, Jr., Corbin Janssen and Alex Adarmes. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.