T.M. Saunders

T.M. Saunders
LORAIN - T.M. Saunders passed away on Friday February 24 2012 after a courageous battle with Cancer at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph Lorain OH. T.M. was born in Grethel KY on May 3, 1937. He was the fifth of 12 children and the third son born to James and Alva Saunders.
T.M. was raised in Grethel KY and graduated from Betsy Lane High School; Betsy Lane KY. He was married in 1955 to his former wife Annette and served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1958. He was stationed in Japan from 1955-1957 working as a cook, which carried over for many years as quality family chef. In 1958 he was honorably discharged and moved to Lorain Oh to start a family and begin 48 years of work and service with the Ford Motor Company at the Lorain Plant as a metal repairer, retiring in 2006.
During his tenure with Ford, T.M. was active in the UAW Local 2192. He served one term as 2nd Vice President later he pursued an education in Journalism which led to him being appointed as an Editor for the UAW Local 2192 Regional Paper for a number of years, he also wore several hats as a photographer, writer for many articles. One of the great highlights of this Endeavour was interviewing President Jimmy Carter in the late 70's. He worked very long countless hours at his profession and took great pride in the detail of his job. He never met a car he couldn't fix. He was multi-talented in all types of repair work and enjoyed the challenges they brought.
Through the course of his life in Lorain T.M. was active in Bowling, Golfing for which he won many tournaments and Stock Trading but his passion was Horse Racing. He owned and raced horses for over 35 years at Northfield Racetrack, although his horses raced in the regional circuit as well. He spent quality time traveling with his beloved wife of 25 years Holly nee (Rudy) and vacationing with family, it gave him great joy. He spent the later years of his life after retirement indulging his passions and traveling to be with family. He was always known as Papa to his Grandchildren, a name that suited him very well.
T.M. was preceded in death by his infant daughter Diane, his second wife Holly Ann (nee Rudy), his parents, James and Alva Saunders, sisters Arietta, Inez Avannell and step son Michael Marason.
He is his survived by wife Patricia (nee Klima) Lorain OH of 4 years, three sons, Kent (Cindy) Saunders of Las Vegas NV, Keith Saunders and his partner Glenn Holappa of Asheville NC, Kyle (Laura) Saunders of Holland MI and daughter Kimberley (Mike) Saunders of Lorain Oh, Step Children Joseph Marason of Medina, Hollie Heard of Columbus. Grandchildren Nick Mason of Lorain OH, Kayla Saunders of Asheville NC, Melissa Saunders of Lexington KY, Thomas Scott of Chicago Il., Tom and Emma Saunders of Holland MI and Dylan Holappa of Asheville NC. Step Grandchildren Joshua and Noah. Brothers James (Michelle) Saunders of Lorain OH, Herbert Saunders of Lorain OH, Roy (Patty) Saunders of Lorain OH, Doug (Pauline) Saunders of Vest KY, Darrell (Terri) of Grafton OH. Sisters Irene (Ken) Transeau of Houston TX, Henrietta (Myron) Yoder of Houston TX, Sherry (Richard) of Shelbiana TX. He is also survived by his Sister-in-law Brenda Saunders of Mann WV brother-in-laws, Danny(Martha)Rudy of King NC, Larry Rudy of Amherst OH, Kevin Rudy of Amherst OH and Sister-in-law Jolyn(Tony)Rudy of Amherst OH and his great friend Art. He also leaves behind 41 nieces and nephew and countless friends.
Friends may call Wednesday February 29, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Wyers Funeral Chapel 2900 North Ridge Road Sheffield Township where services will be held Thursday March 1, 2012 at 12 Noon. Sr. Patricia Adams of the New Life Hospice, will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.
Following the Burial, the family welcomes all present to join them at Jackalope Lakeside 301 Lakeside Avenue, Lorain for a Celebration of Life from 2-4:30 PM.