Robert R. 'Bob' Saunders, age 73, of Gallipolis, died Wednesday evening January 29, 2003 at Holzer Medical Center. Born April 15, 1929 in North Hampton, OH. He was the son of the late Connie S. and Bertha B. Smith Saunders. In addition to his parents he was preceded by 2 brothers; Connie and James Saunders, and by 2 sisters; Norma Jean Dailey Back, and Mary Lou Brannon.
Bob owned and operated the Quaker State Service Center in Gallipolis for 35 years. He later worked and retired from the Gallia County Landfill after 10 years of service.
He faithfully attended and was a member of the First Church of God, where he served on the church board of trustees. Bob was a Kentucky Colonol, a former Central Committee man for the Republican Party, and was recently inducted ino the GAHS Athletic Boosters Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in starting and was one of the first sponsors of the Midget Football League; he also sponsored many athletic teams through the years. He was a member of the downtown coaches club, and was active in the Rio Grande College Athletic Boosters for several years; he also was an active supporter of the Gallia County Jr. Fair. Bob was a United States Army Veteran, having served 2 years, while stationed in Alaska.
He is survived by: Wife: Jean Smith Saunders of Gallipolis; Son and Daughter In Law: Rusty and Connie Saunders of Gallipolis; Grandson: Nicklaus Saunders of Gallipolis; Sister: Maybelle Parsley; 3 Brothers: William (Virginia) Saunders of Bidwell, Jack (Vivian) Saunders of Gallipolis, and Roger (Sheila) Saunders of Gallipolis.
Memorial services will be 12:30 P.M. Saturday February 1, 2003 at the First Church of God in Gallipolis, with Pastor Paul Voss officiating. Friends may call at the Waugh-Halley-Wood funeral home on Friday (today) from 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to either Holzer Hospice 100 Jackson Pike Gallipolis, OH 45631 or to the First Church of God Building Fund 109 Garfield Ave. Gallipolis, OH 45631.
