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1921 - 2003
Howard Baker Saunders, age 82, community leader, insurance agent, and golf instructor, died August 14, 2003 at Holzer Medical Center. Born June 10, 1921 in Mercerville, he was the son of the late Chauncey Holcomb and Daisy Frye Saunders. He is survived by his wife Alice Tourt Saunders, whom he married June 15, 1946 in Cleveland, and Children: Betsy (Pat) Canaday of Rio Grande, and Twin Sons: John (Amy) and Dow Saunders both of Gallipolis. Additional survivors include seven grandchildren: Chris, Scott, and Luke Saunders; Jessi Burger, Kate Holsinger, Ginger and Holly Canaday, and several nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother: Willard 'Bake' Saunders, and by his sister: Violet 'Dudie' Berridge.
A graduate of Gallia Academy High School, he was inducted into its initial Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He graduated from the Ohio State University in 1948 and was a member of the Student Senate and the Bucket and Dipper Honor Club. Howard was the NCAA Golf Medalist in 1945 and the Big Ten Champion in 1945 and 1947. His Ohio State Golf Team won the NCAA national championship in 1945. His alma mater honored him in 1990 when Howard was inducted into the Ohio State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He returned to Gallipolis in 1951 and began his fifty year plus career as a locaal insurance agent and founded his own agency, 'Saunders Insurance' in 1964. Active in community affairs, he was a member and Past President of the Gallipolis City Commission, the board of zoning appeals, life member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Gallipolis Elks Lodge #107, the Gallipolis and Cliffside Golf Clubs, and St. Peters Episcopal Church. He was a long time chairman of the local selective service board and worked at the Navy yard in Pt. Pleasant during World War II. He committed to the instruction of golf, and brought hundreds into his favorite sport and remained dedicated to teaching until his death.
The family will receive friends at the Waugh-Halley-Wood funeral home on Saturday August 16, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. at St. Peters Episcopal Church with Rev. Becky Michaelfelder officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Howard Baker Saunders Scholarship fund, c/o Bryce Smith, Advest Inc. P.O. Box 112 Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.
Pallbearers will be: Rick McNelly, Mike Berridge, Bryce Smith, Ryan Smith, Tom Morgan Jr., Gary Fenderbosch, Todd Berdoll, and Rusty Saunders. Honorary Pallbearers are: Dr. Thomas Morgan, Charles Adkins, Dr. Gene Abels, John Shinn, Lowell Evans, James Mullins, Bob Daniel, Rick Patrick, Bill Jenkins, Dr. Bill Thomas, Steve Morgan, and Brent Saunders. |
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There are currently 11 condolences.
Karlan Zarley
Sunday April 6, 2014 at
10:13 AM
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Howard was a good friend. We enjoyed many golf outings together. He will be missed!
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Ralph H. Lusher, Jr.
rhlusher@erols.com
Sunday October 12, 2003 at
10:37 PM
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Please accept my sincerest sympathies on Mr. Saunders' passing in August, as I just learned of it. He taught me, and a number of other young men, to play golf in 1958. He taught us well, and I have never forgotten his lessons about golf and life. He was a real champion and a fine person. rhl
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Mary Beth Carlisle/Anne Fischer
mbcarlisle@wvdhhr.org
Thursday August 21, 2003 at
11:38 AM
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Mrs. Saunders,Betsy, Dow,and John
We are so sorry we missed the services for Howard Baker and know that he will surely be remembered wonderfully by so many. We have many fond and funny memories of being neighbors! This is a funny story I will share with you as to why we missed the services. I was in Florida and returned on Sunday and Mother informed me about his death. She said the calling hours were on Tuesday evening but he had died on Friday. She wondered why so long to have the services? We arrived at Waugh Halley Wood on Tuesday at 8:00 to find out that we were at the wrong calling hours and a lady was in the casket and Mom even signed the registry! Joanne then asked us why we were looking so perplexed and Mom told her we were here for Howard Baker Saunders. She said that was Sunday!! We were mortified and Mom swore she read in the paper that it was Wednesday. Mother huffed out and said I'm going home to look for the paper. When we got home, she insisted she was still right and wanted to call the paper and the funeral home back. When I looked at the obituary, I discovered that she read your Dad's and then went to the next column and continued on to another ladie's obituary that was on Tues and Wednesday. So to make a long story short, we goofed and feel terrible. Love to all and have a good laugh on us!
Mary Beth (Fischer) Carlisle
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Carol Farmer Haas
mjcjhaas@charter.net
Monday August 18, 2003 at
11:56 AM
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Even though I didn't know your father personally, I have heard such nice things about him, and he gave my son Boone golf lessons. He was an icon in this town, and he will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences. Carol
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Roger and Lynn Rees
Sunday August 17, 2003 at
10:45 AM
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Please accept our sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May all the wonderful memories give you the strength you need.....Roger and Lynn Rees
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Entire staff at Gallipolis Career College
Saturday August 16, 2003 at
9:14 AM
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We offer our sympathy to your entire family
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Robert, Jeanette and Bo Shirey
Saturday August 16, 2003 at
9:13 AM
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We offer our sympathy to your entire family.
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sherryl harris your next door nieghbor
cat_lover_032003@yahoo.com
Friday August 15, 2003 at
8:50 PM
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Ms.holly,
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND CONDOL- ENCE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.YOU
ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
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Tom and Marlene Davis
kmd@aceinter.net
Friday August 15, 2003 at
5:10 PM
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To the Saunders family,
Sorry to read about the death of Howard Baker. I'm sure he will be missed by all. Our prayers go out to each of you.
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City of Gallipolis
gallipolis@core.com
Friday August 15, 2003 at
4:13 PM
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Dear Saunders Family:
The City of Gallipolis staff sends their condolences during this time of loss. We would like to offer comfort from our hearts and minds.
City Manager Bob Gordon and Staff
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gallipolis@core.com
Friday August 15, 2003 at
4:05 PM
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