Eric Lyle Saunders

Eric Lyle Saunders, 65, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 23, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 28, 1953, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Eric was the son of the late Harold and Janice (Cornell) Saunders. He was a 1972 graduate of Gallia Academy High School. Eric was the starting linebacker of the 1970 SEOAL champion football team. During high school, he worked at Thomas Clothiers in Gallipolis. He also attended Heidelberg College. Eric worked as a heat and frost insulator for 30 years as part of the Local #80 Asbestos Workers, Winfield, West Virginia. After retirement, he stayed busy with painting, woodworking, and farming. Eric was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Eric married Kari (Thomas) Saunders on May 30, 1981. They were blessed with five sons: Tommy (Megan) Saunders, of Gallipolis; Justin (Erin) Saunders, of Columbus; Clint Saunders, of Columbus; David (Mary Beth) Saunders, of McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey; and Benjamin Saunders, of Athens. He also has a daughter, Nikki (DJ) Johnston of Boise, Idaho. Eric was also blessed with three grandchildren: Nate and Ruby Johnston and Emma Saunders. Eric is also survived by four brothers, Kennison (Kay) Saunders, Brent (Nell) Saunders, Winston (Cindy) Saunders, and Kim Saunders; mother-in-law, Phyllis Thomas; brother-in-law, Steve (Valerie) Thomas; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by an infant sister, Annette Saunders; sister, Debbie Belville; father-in-law, Keith Thomas; brother-in-law, David Thomas; and a nephew, Nathaniel Thomas. Since Eric was an early riser, funeral services will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018 at the Grace United Methodist Church, 600 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio with Pastor Ray Kane officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the church from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2018. Pallbearers will be Eric’s five sons: Tommy, Justin, Clint, Benjamin, and David Saunders. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Gallia County Junior Fair Relocation Fund, c/o Gallia County Agriculture Society, P.O. Box 931, Gallipolis, OH 45631 or the GAHS Stadium Project, c/o Adam Clark, 2855 Centenary Road, Gallipolis, OH 45631. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.