William David Saunders, Sr.

William (Bill) David Saunders, Sr., of Walla Walla, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2024, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Sadly, this was just three months after his wife's passing. He missed her so much; he told family he was ready to join her. He was born in Canton, Ohio to James and Eva Saunders, and grew up in Plymouth, Indiana. He is a 1954 graduate of Lincoln High School, Plymouth, Indiana. After graduation, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. He married Mary Jane Jolly on November 8, 1955, in Argos, Indiana. They were blessed to have celebrated 68 years together!

Bill spent 20 years in the Coast Guard and was stationed in many places: Massachusetts, Tennessee, Newfoundland, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Yap Island and Astoria, Oregon. He was an avionic technician and radarman on Coast Guard aircraft during rescues. He attained the rank of Chief Avionics Engineering Officer, Communications Officer, upon retiring in Astoria, Oregon, he was a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1975. He then brought the family to Walla Walla, Washington.

He was an avid amateur radio operator (HAM) with the call sign K7RD, making contacts with people from all over the world. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, riding his Yamaha until a few years ago. He was also often seen riding his red dune buggy around town. He enjoyed gardening, growing lots of vegetables and big juicy watermelons and cantaloupes! He even had large banana palms in his backyard!

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, James and Eva Saunders, a brother, Robert Saunders and his wife, Mary Jane Saunders.

He is survived by his brothers, Richard Saunders (Nancy), James Saunders (Janet); his son, William David Saunders Jr. (Nancy); daughters, Sheiron Christensen (Mike) and Debbie Saunders, as well as five grandchildren: Melissa Arends (Andy), Billy Ill Saunders (Brittany), Heather Matthews, Michael Christensen (Jennifer), and Shawn Christensen (Priscilla). He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.

Bill will be missed by many. Thank God for His promise that we will see all our loved ones again!

A Celebration of Life will take place for Bill and Mary Jane on June 2, 2024, at the Eastgate SDA Church (380 Tausick Way, Walla Walla), at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.