William L. ‘Bill’ Saunders, age 90

William L. ‘Bill’ Saunders, age 90, of Bidwell, died Sunday evening April 26, 2015 at the Four Winds Community in Jackson. Born June 3, 1924 in Springfield, Ohio. He was the son of the late, Connie S. and Bertha B. Smith Saunders. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded by his wife of 68 years, Virginia Gothard Saunders, a son, Robert ‘Bob’ Saunders, a daughter, Verdonna ‘Sis’ Slaughter, 3 sisters, Norma Jean Dailey Back, Mary Lou Brannon, and Mabelle Parsley, and by three brothers, Connie Saunders, James Saunders, and Bob Saunders.

Bill started driving a truck in 1941 for L. Paul Haskins and the Evans Grocery Company. He left to serve his country on February 8, 1943 in the United States Army. He served in the Co. B. 310 Infantry Regt. 78 Division; he was involved in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. He was honorably discharged on October 10, 1945. Upon returning to Gallia County, he owned and operated tractor trailers for over 50 years. He was a member of the Evangelical Community Church in Oak Hill. Bill was also a member of Centerville Masonic Lodge #371, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, and the Aladdin Temple Shrine .

Bill is survived by a son, David (Patsy Venters) of Thurman, 4 granddaughters, Nicole (Matthew) Brittain, Bobbie Jo Saunders, Stephanie (Jessie) Willis, and Rachael (Jason) Patterson, 2 grandsons, Luke Saunders, and Kennison ( Heather McPherson) Saunders, several great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Roger (Sheila) Saunders of Gallipolis, and Jack (Vivian) Saunders of Gallipolis, daughter in law, Kathy (Bill Hicks) Saunders, and by Bill and Virginia’s close friend and caregiver, Molly Martin of Gallipolis.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM. Friday May 1, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastor Stan Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, where Military Funeral Honors will be presented by the United States Army and the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7 PM. concluding with Masonic Services by Centerville Lodge #371 at 7:00 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the nurses and aides at the Four Winds Community for all the loving care Bill received there.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com