Haskell J. Saunders

Haskell J. Saunders, 89, of Bidwell, Ohio went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2018 with his family by his side. He was born February 1, 1929 in Gallia County, son of the late Heber Marshall Saunders and Ruby Shaw Saunders. Haskell worked at Evans Packing Company of Gallipolis for 25 years and also farmed several years before retiring. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Rodney, Ohio; the Gallia County Senior Citizens, where he enjoyed playing pool with his friends; and the Gallia County Soil and Water Conservation District. Haskell also served as a Springfield Township Trustee for eight years. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. Haskell married Ivy Gathercole on September 27, 1947 in Lincoln Park, Michigan; and she preceded him in death on July 5, 2014. To this union were born four sons and one daughter: Doyle (Sharon) Saunders and their children, D.J. Saunders and Bobbi (Jeff) Lundy; Steve (Darla) Saunders and their children, the late Gabe Saunders, McKinsey (Jason) McPherson, and Mariah (Rob) Woodward; Phil (Cathy) Saunders and their children, Angie (Brian) Hammel, Josh Saunders, and Sara (Ryan) Stidham; Keith (Paula) Saunders, and their children, Jessie Saunders and Pete (Heather) Saunders; and a daughter, who preceded him in death in 2007, Amy Diane Saunders (Jim) Vinson and their surviving children, Brian (Tina) Vinson, Chris (Rose Ann) Vinson, and Beth (Jared) Moore; and twenty-four great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Ivy, daughter Amy, grandson Gabe, and parents, Haskell was preceded in death by three brothers, Heber, Hayward, and Harold Saunders and four sisters, Nancy Saunders, Thelma Slone, Joy Spencer, and Wanda Willis. Haskell’s biggest joy in life was his family; he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Willis Funeral Home with Reverend Jim Lusher officiating and special music by Reverend Calvin Minnis. Interment will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis. Pallbearers will be Jessie Saunders, Pete Saunders, Josh Saunders, D.J. Saunders, Brian Vinson, and Chris Vinson. Friends may call from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 29, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Haskell’s memory to the Gallia County Senior Center, 1165 State Route 160, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.