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Kenneth Saunders Obituary
AGE: 71 •
Kenneth "Butch" Saunders passed away at home on May 5, 2016 at the age of 71.
Butch is predeceased by his father, John Saunders, his mother, Helen Saunders, three brothers, Norman, John, and Clarence Saunders, four sisters, Helen, Mildred, and Charmaine Saunders, and Julia Patterson, two nieces Theresa Patterson and Karen Saunders, and one nephew, John Saunders, III. Butch is survived by his loving wife Clarice Letitia Saunders of 45 years. They were married in Asbury Park on December 19, 1970.
Butch is lovingly remembered by one son, Kenneth Saunders, Jr. of Asbury Park, one daughter, Carlene Saunders, of Asbury Park, one granddaughter, Kendall Simone Saunders of Asbury Park, devoted daughter-in-law, Stacy Collins of Asbury Park, devoted son-in-law, Angel Morales of Asbury Park, along with thirty nieces and nephews, and a host of great nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Butch was born in Neptune, New Jersey on August 17, 1944. He graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1962 and attended Delaware State College. He worked at the Asbury Park Housing Authority as Assistant Director in 1967. In 1968, he continued his career as Director of the West Side Community Center in Asbury Park, N.J. Butch's real work came when he started working for the Monmouth County Boys Club in Asbury Park, N.J. where he played a major role model in the lives of the youth of Asbury Park. In 2001, he became Mayor of Asbury Park. He also worked as a Truant Officer at the Asbury Park High School.
Butch enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. However, the joy of his life was his granddaughter, Kendall Simone Saunders.
The viewing will be held at Living Word Christian Fellowship, 81 Highway 35 in Neptune, New Jersey on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. with Pastor Cedric Miller officiating. The interment will follow the funeral at Monmouth Memorial Park, Tinton Falls, New Jersey. A repast will take place following the funeral at VFW, 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The Ely Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Saunders
Sponsored by Ely Funeral Home - Neptune.
Karen Banks
May 6, 2019
Butch how Asbury Park miss you so much. We love you man..
James Slyke
May 19, 2016
To The Family of Mr. Butch,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr Butch. He was a giant of love and care for the children at the Boys/Girls Club, we always felt safe in his presence.He encouraged us to stay focus on our goals in life , chose friends that were about doing something good and have fun in a positive way. My prayers are with and for you
James Slyke, Boys/Girls Summer Camp club member
May 15, 2016
I grew up with Kenny , shared many Boy's Club days with him in the 50's and we graduated APHS in 1962. He was a true Asbury Park guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with Butch and his family always!
Steve & Margaret Castello
VIctor Ruiz
May 14, 2016
I only knew Mr. Saunders for a brief time, but in that time I knew he was a kind and gentle person. He made everyone around him smile. He touched many lives and made a significant difference in the lives he touched. I will always remember how much of a giving person he was and he will never be forgotten. You had a special husband Mrs. Saunders. He is a blessing from God. May God watch over your family and give you strength each waking day. I wanted to be there to share my sympathy, but was not able to meet you because of my work schedule. The clients of Gateway loved him. God bless and I extend my prayers to you now. Love Victor Ruiz.
Charles Fischer
May 14, 2016
Butch:
RIP
Sharon Boone
May 14, 2016
Rest in Peace brave warrior and role model to the youth of our community. Condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends. I had the pleasure of being a part of the election committee when Butch ran and won the mayoralty of Asbury Park. He'll forever be a hero to the community he served. Go Bless you all in your time of bereavement
May 13, 2016
So sorry to hear that Butch has passed. He was good friend of mine and team mate back in the day. My wife and I are on our way back to NJ and unfortunately can't make the services. My thoughts and prayers are with Butch and his family. RIP my old friend.
Bob Armstrong
Bob Villapiano
May 13, 2016
RIP Butch! I have known Butch since we were kids attending the AP Boys Club in the late 50's and early 60's, and playing Little League Baseball with the Yankees! He was a catcher and could hit the long ball and played on the All Star Team ! And of course, we attended APHS together and graduated in 1962! He was a great football player too! You will be missed by your family and all of your friends! We have fond memories of you and are fortunate in knowing you . God bless!
May 13, 2016
I am so sorry that I am unable to be with the family at this time. We all loved Uncle Butch. May God bless you and keep your you at this time of sorrow. Love, Mabel
Julie Patterson
May 12, 2016
Rip Uncle Butch you will be missed, we Love you!
TEDDY RILEY
May 12, 2016
My prayers go out to the family, he truly will be miss. Butch introduce me to the Boy's Club many years ago, he was like a big brother, father, and always a true friend .His guidance help me become the man I am now. He was always concern about the children, he would always encourage you to do better, he truly will be miss, I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him in my life. R.I.P. my friend.
May 12, 2016
Nothing but great high school memory's of the best laughs ever, with Butch on a bus to a game.
Rest in peace my friend, and condolences to the family.
Your pal,
Barry R. Slott
JMS
May 12, 2016
Mr Saunders you touched the lives of so many and a job well done! RIP
Irene Batson-Rumph
May 12, 2016
Ms. Tish, Kenneth and Carlene my deepest and most sincere condolences. Butch will forever be remembered as a kind gentle and wise man. He mentored many children. He talked many out of trouble, including my brother, Marshall and my son Demetrius. He always had a kind word and bright smile. He will be missed by many including me.
Diane Stanley-Williams
May 12, 2016
Condolences to the Saunders family. I have fond memories of Butch. May his soul rest in peace.
Cynthia Revels
May 12, 2016
Condolences to the Saunders' Family
Deepest Sympathy
Joycelyn Whited
May 12, 2016
May 12, 2016
Our sympathy to the Saunders Family. Butch meant so much to so many of our community, he will be sincerely missed. Those of us with memories of him going back to the late 1950's have many fond recollections of youth, teen years of high school and football to adulthood into retirement. Rest in peace.
Hareld & Sandra Crenshaw
Felicia "Fee-Fee" Gibson
May 12, 2016
To the Saunders Family: With heartfelt sympathy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've know "Uncle Butch" all my life. I will never forget the many gifts you and Aunt Tish gave me when the both of you visited Atlanta for the Boys and Girls Club Conference. Thank you for thinking of me and my beloved mother, the late Eloise Haywood "Weezy" Gibson. Please know Aunt Tish, Kenneth and Carlene that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Velda
May 12, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the entire Saunders family. Butch was a great mentor and will be truly missed in our community.
Stephen Lee
May 12, 2016
Butch, there are so many memories of you. As my neighbor on Jersey Street, you were a moderating influence. I pray for you and your whole family, whom I view as family. WE LOVE YOU!
Jesse & Phalia Kendle
May 12, 2016
To The Saunders Family: You have our greatest sympathy on the loss of your husband, father, uncle,and friend. Butch was truly a mentor to the community and he will be missed very much. As much as you loved him...God loved him more. May you find peace and comfort in God's love.
Ellis Jones
May 12, 2016
My Deepest Sympathy to the Saunders family.
Uncle Butch was a great person to the Asbury Park Community.
Bridget Smalls
May 12, 2016
Aunt Tish, Kenneth and Carlene
Uncle Butch was Uncle Butch and he will be missed by everyone. They say it takes a village to raise a child...... He was the village. Job well done. Rest in paradise.
Peewee Puryear
May 12, 2016
To the Saunders family
Please know that Butch did a lot for all the children in Asbury Park. Because of Butch I am the man I am. Truly this breaks my heart but I am so glad for his life. R.I.P.
Renee McMillan
May 12, 2016
Butch Saunders was an icon in the Asbury Park - Neptune communities. Everyone knew Butch, they knew if they needed anything, a job, reference, housing, clothing, food or anything else if he could not give it to you himself; he knew someone who could. He had a good heart and only wanted to do what was necessary to give the youth a better way of life. Butch was always smiling and easy going spirit. You will be missed.Renee McMillan
Barbara Scales
May 12, 2016
May you rest easy Butch.Thank you for all you did for this community.
Keisha Taylor
May 12, 2016
Sending Love and Prayers to the Family! Butch was a Great Gentleman, kind and Loving! Great times shared in my youth at the Boys Club thanks to him! May he Rest Easy XOXO
Robert Lewis
May 12, 2016
Blessings and My Deepest condolences to the family and friends, brother Butch Saunders did so much for so many that He is covered by the grace of God's Mercy by default! He helped my kids karate program touch the entire community from 1994 through 1999 developing the mind and body of our youth into the future! Mr Robert J Lewis Instructor
wayne scank
May 12, 2016
Butch was a great man knew my family for over 40 years baby sat me when i was a kid ....he will never be forgotten by me he did so much when i was a kid i grew up poor and he made sure i stayed out of trouble at the boys club R.I.P. Butch you will be in my heart forever
LaDina Alls
May 12, 2016
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of a great man. This man has raised hundreds of children through the boys and girls club program; he was an example of possibilities as City Mayor of Asbury park. Mr.Saunders has had both ups and downs in the public eye but his attitude towards life and the people in it was honorable. Mr . Saunders I salute you and may you rest in peace.
Gloria Wright
May 12, 2016
My Deepest Sympathy to the Saunders family....May your hearts be lifted and lighten with God's love and devotions to you...my Condolence!
Gloria L. Wright and family
T B.Ross
May 12, 2016
Butch you have been amazing here on this earth, I'm sure God is so happy with your journey. You have been a mentor, friend and father figure to a whole community besides your own family. We Love ya! Forever you will be missed...
Ricks&Laws Family
May 12, 2016
Rest Easy
Theresa Meredith
May 12, 2016
RIP Butch, gone but never forgotten.
KAREN JONES
May 12, 2016
R.I.P. BUTCH YOU WILL BE MISSED
KAREN BANKS
May 12, 2016
My heart is heavy . You have helped me through so many things and consider me family. How I will miss riding pass the house beeping the horn saying Hi My Family and everyone responding. I just want you to know I was definitely one of the youths. I love you man. Thanks for everything. Love Karen and The Banks Family. ....
XL Cotton
May 11, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Saunders Family.
Tomika Goodson
May 9, 2016
Sending my love and condolences
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