January 29, 1948 ~ April 24, 2025
Allan Pursnell, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Thursday, April 24, following a brave struggle with cancer. Allan was born January 29, 1948 in Atlantic City, New Jersey to Anthony Henry Pursnell and Helen Suders Pursnell.
Allan married Pamela Soignier on July 26, 1974 in Monroe, LA. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 26, 2024.
He and his wife, Pamela moved to Baton Rouge in 1976 where he had a long career, first as a reporter for the Morning Advocate and later as Assistant Commissioner for the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
Allan was a man of many talents, chief among them caring for his family: his beloved wife, Pamela, his son Justin, his daughter Laura Lindsay (Ned) and the Lindsays’ sons, Edward, Ethan and Eli upon whom Allan heaped grandfatherly love and praise.
He is also survived by his cousins, Joe Korba, Linda Musso (Dr. Joseph Musso), brother-in-law, David Soignier (Amy), sister-in-law, Marsha Roberts (Michael) and brother-in-law, Charles Raiford, Jr., nephews, Joshua B. Raiford, Michael C. Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Reagan Soignier and Jacob Soignier. Honorary pallbearer, Bill McMahon.
To his many friends, he was a master storyteller who could make the most mundane tale absolutely hilarious.
His newspaper colleagues considered him a Renaissance man, with interests ranging from the violin, study of his Italian heritage, reading and sailing to the stock market.
Funeral services will be held at St. Jude the Apostolic Church, 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810 on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Edward, Ethan and Eli Lindsay and nephews, Matthew Roberts, Reagan and Jacob Soignier. Honorary pallbearer will be Bill McMahon.
If you wish to honor Allan’s memory, please consider a contribution to St. Jude The Apostle School, 9150 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, 7733 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or a charity of your choice.
