Don Saunders

Don Saunders was a true family man: he loved his three children, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the sixty-seven years he spent with his beloved wife, Charlene. He had a generous, caring heart that always looked for ways to help others, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life.

The year was 1921 and America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition was now in full effect, with the 18th Amendment ratified just a year earlier, and although the country was in the midst of a recession, it showed renewed hope as America moved from the Industrial Age to a new, Progressive Era. In the quiet community of Camden Township, Michigan, George and Carrie (Wigent) Saunders had their own reasons for renewed hope as they welcomed the birth of their son, Don, on May 21, 1921. Don was one of five children.

Shortly after high school, Don spotted a beautiful woman as she was walking down the street. Her name was Charlene Garrison and driving past her was all it took for him to be head over heels in love. Don immediately asked 15 year old Charlene out and after only 2 weeks of dating, he knew he would marry her one day. That wonderful day came just 2 days after Charlene turned 18 when they were happily married on October 26, 1941. Shortly after, Don followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country during World War II. Although the service took Don miles from his wife, she was never far from his thoughts.

Don and Charlene spent 67 years together, raising their three children: Bruce, Bonnie, and Jon, and sharing many wonderful moments as a family. They made their home on Indian Lake for over 45 years, the place where they created a lifetime full of treasured memories with their family and friends. A devoted family man, Don worked hard to provide for his loved ones. He worked 7 days a week for 14 years as a Chief Pipefitter at Panelite before joining the Pipefitter Local 357. Since Charlene worked as a school teacher, she and the kids had the summers off, which enabled them to travel all over. Some of Don’s favorite trips included Florida and out west. As members of the Avion Travel Club, Don and Charlene did a lot of camping too, which they loved. In their retirement years, they became snowbirds and spent 16 years wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida. Don was a big outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting trips with his boys to the Upper Peninsula in Ralph. Most of the time, Don ended up being the camp cook after a day of hunting.

Don loved his family dearly, and was the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren: Lisa, Grant, Lachelle, Jodi, Don and Kevin, and 3 great grandchildren. His happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Church was also an important part of Don’s life. He was a member of the Lakeland Reformed Church, and developed his own card ministry, which sent warm thoughts and wishes in a card to church members on their special occasions or in time of need. In his leisure time at home, Don enjoyed playing cards and board games, and was a big collector of pottery, particularly cookie jars.

Always a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Don will be remembered always and greatly missed by the family he so dearly loved.

Don H. Saunders, age 90, of Vicksburg, MI passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Don’s family includes his two sons: Bruce (Mikie) Saunders of Mendon, Jon (Valerie) Saunders of Vicksburg; six grandchildren: Lisa (Tom) Neely of Kalamazoo, Grant (fiancée Amy) Saunders of Kalamazoo, Lachelle (Marcus) Golding of MA, Jodi Saunders of IA, Don Alan Saunders of Mendon, Kevin Saunders of Mendon; and three great grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, in 2008; daughter, Bonnie Saunders; and three brothers and one sister.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg (649-1697). Please visit Don’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his online guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lakeland Reformed Church.