Harold Saunders Obituary

GALLIPOLIS — Harold M. Saunders, 91, of Gallipolis, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Abbyshire Place, Bidwell.

Harold, born February 22, 1926, was the son of the late Heber and Ruby Shaw Saunders. He was married to Janice Cornell Saunders, who preceded him in death August 7, 1987.

He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Belville, of Gallipolis and five sons, all of Gallipolis, Kennison (Kay), Brent (Nell), Eric (Kari), Winston (Cindy), and Kim Todd Saunders. He is also survived by a sister, Joy Spencer, of Gallipolis, a brother, Haskell Saunders, of Bidwell, a brother-in-law, Cleeland Willis, of Gallipolis, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, special friends, the Kite Family, and several nieces and nephews.

Harold was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Annette, brothers Hayward and Heber Lewis Saunders, sisters, Nancy Saunders, Thelma Slone and Wanda Willis, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ivy Saunders, Shirley Saunders, Richard Slone, Bob Spencer, Rebecca and Thurman Boggs, Mary Jean and Kenneth Betz, William David and Millie Cornell.

He worked for 28 years at the Gallipolis Developmental Center, 11 years as a bus driver for Gallipolis City Schools, served as a Clay township trustee, and served eight years as a Gallia County Commissioner. He loved working on his farm with his family. For 40 plus years, Harold donated several acres of his farm land to allow many people of Gallipolis to play softball on the "Saunders Softball Field." He was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church for many years. He loved Jesus Christ above all else and demonstrated that with his life.

Funeral services will be 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 3, at Faith Baptist Church, Rodney, with Pastor Jim Lusher officiating. Private burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 – 5:15 p.m. at the Family Ministry Center, Faith Baptist Church prior to the funeral.

There will be military services at the graveside by the Gallia County Funeral Detail. Harold's six children will serve as pallbearers.

Gifts in memory of Harold can be donated to Faith Baptist Church, 3615 Jackson Pike, Bidwell, OH 45614. Harold's family would like to thank the following: the staff of Holzer Hospital and Holzer Senior Care. A special thanks to the many staff, clients, and families of Abbyshire Place, who became part of the Saunder's family.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gallipolis Daily Tribune from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Saunders

9 Entries

Bob Bane

August 6, 2017

Harold was a great person. He was very good to my parents in their later years. It was a pleasure to have known him and the wonderful family he raised.

Kyle Saunders

August 4, 2017

Harold was one of my favorite people in my youth. He was always kind to me. I regret not having kept up with him over the past few years, but he remains a positive influence in my life, as well as the many others' lives that he touched. Peace and love to all,
Kyle

Lavonda

August 3, 2017

My condolences to the family. I am Bob Spencer's sister Lavonda

August 2, 2017

Harold we knew each other for a long time when we were young. and we often visited each other I was married to yourcousin Mary F Hively for several years until the military called me up . I stayed in there for many years and lost my family but I remember your mom and dad so well all your brothers and sisters . the last time we spoke was at Ike Hivelys funeral. you were one fine man Harold and god can sure use you. rest in piece my friend youl,be missed by all who new and loved you Donal O Kemper

Yvonne Walker

August 2, 2017

To The Family of Harold Saunders, sad to hear of the passing of your Father. He was a wonderful person and I have fond memories of his visits to The Gallipolis Clinic in the late 60's. He always had a smile on his face and spoke so kindly to all he met. The community will miss his presence. May your precious memories of your Father help you through this sorrowful time. Warmest regards,

August 1, 2017

It was always a pleasure to see Harold at the ballgames. He always had a kind word and a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go out for the Saunders family. R. Caudill

August 1, 2017

Harold was a caring neighbor and friend. Jim and I both said we would like to know how many hours Harold spent at funeral homes consoling others in their losses. Let God give you, as a family, comfort in knowing where he is and many hours of sharing memories. Love and prayers, Jim and Cathy Sisson

August 1, 2017

Harold was always a caring neighbor and friend. Jim and I both said we wold like to know how many hours he spent at funeral homes consoling other families on their losses. May God give your family comfort and may great hours of memories. Love and prayers, Jim and Cathy Sisson

T. Allen

July 31, 2017

To the family of Mr. Harold Saunders,

I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Saunders.

We can look forward to the promise at 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 "for just as in Adam all men are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive."

Sincerely,

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