Harold M. Saunders

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, eighteen grandchildren, twenty four 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, eleven 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 forty 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. Harold was an U.S. Navy World War II Veteran serving in the South Pacific. 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 2:00 – 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.