Jackie Lee Fant

Jackie Lee Fant age 87, of Springdale Arkansas, passed away peacefully at Regency Hospital on Friday, January 2, 2026. Husband of 69 years to Louise, the love of his life; father of Tony (Sheila) Fant, Michael Fant (deceased), Melissa (Brandon) Myers, Michele (Brian) Richman; doting grandfather of James (Laura) Fant, Glen (Anne-Marie) Fant, Joel (LeAnne) Bowman, Alyssa Fant, Warren (Gladys) Myers, Felicia Fant, Patrick (Samantha) Fant, Paige (Dustin) Robertson, Mary Fant, Addison Richman, and Ashtyn Richman; great-grandfather of Leo Fant, Ethan Fant, Harley Fant,Jamie Fant, Harper Bowman, Noah Bowman, Asher Bowman, Owen and Felix Myers; son of the late Harlan and Mary Fant; brother of Virginia (Forrest) Bruce (deceased), William (Patsy) Fant, Elaine (Wayne) Walker. Jack joined the Navy and married Louise House two months later. He said he joined the Navy to see the world. Jack served fourteen years in the Navy, achieving the highest enlisted rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer. He began his distinguished service training as a member of TACRON-21 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek. He served with Tactical Control Squadron 21 in Lebanon, Operation Blue Bat, and with Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) in Vietnam. TACRON-21 would become part of the "Navy Seals,” which was adopted in 1962. He flew on the A3d Skyhawk and P-2 developing a communication protocol named "Leap Frog." He said that there was no greater high than being catapulted off an Aircraft Carrier. In 1972 he was selected as Sailor of the Year at U.S. Naval Communications Station, Rota, Spain. After the Navy, he moved his family back to Arkansas, working for the Frisco and Burlington Northern Railroads. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired. Jack was a gifted athlete. In 2012 he was inducted into the Benton Athletic Memorial Museum as a member of Benton's first Cross-Country team, for their extraordinary 2nd place finish in the 1955 State Championship against powerhouse Little Rock. During his Navy service he excelled in Basketball, perfecting his hook shot, fast pitch softball and flag football. Jack excelled well into his golden years as a multi-gold medalist in the Senior Olympics, and Veteran's Games, specializing in the Javelin throw. He studied the art of the Javelin, earning five Gold medals. He loved coaching and teaching basketball, coaching at the Fayetteville and Springdale youth centers for many years, leading his teams to championships. He also loved fishing, was a life- long Razorbacks fan, and a writer and a poet. He loved spending time with his family. Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5-7pm at Sisco Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 10, 2025 at 1pm at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Pastor Jay Foley officiating. Burial will follow in Bluff Cemetery in Springdale. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Boys and Girls Club of America, 1275 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3506 Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

Jackie Lee Fant

September 6, 1938 - January 2, 2026