John Thomas Saunders, 76, of Strong, died in his home at Sandy Bend on September 11, 2008.
Born November 3, 1931, in Sandy Bend. John was the 8th child of Searcy Leonard and Birdie
Lee Gibson Saunders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grand-daughter, Katelyn
Burns; five sisters, Mary Martin, Helen Vaughn, Dru Wilson, Joy Russell and Ann Jennings and
one brother, S. L. Saunders, Jr.

Surviors include the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Marvene Turbeville Saunders,
three daughters; Teri Poole and her husband Peter; Mila Burns and her husband Michael and Jeni
Martin and her husband Michael all of Strong, seven grandchildren, Eric Poole, Emily Poole,
Trace Burns, Jaycie Burns, Justin Burns, Tyler Martin and Kallie Martin; two brothers,
Jim Saunders and his wife Louise of Longview, Texas and Bill Saunders and his wife
Ethel of Hot Springs; a brother-in-law James E. Husbands, and a host of nieces and nephews
and friends.

John was a member of the Strong Church of Christ. John served in the navy on the
Destroyer USS McNair for four years during the Korean War. He kept in close conact with his
"navy family" by attending the yearly McNair Reunions. He owned and operated Saunders
Logging for forty years and was known for his spotless red mack trucks for being an avid John
Deere Man. John's biggest source of pride however was his three daughters and his
grandchildren.

His interests included watching sports of any kind especially his beloved Razorbacks and
Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed bush hogging aand round-upping everything in Sandy Bend where
he served as the unofficial mayor. His other interest included reading westerns, meeting with his
friends in the morning for breakfast at Rachel's, spending time with family at the river, and
riding his grandkids on his red ranger.

The funeral will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday (9-13) at the Strong Church of Christ with
Evangelists Jimmie Smith, Tommy Nash and Michael Martin officiating. Burial will follow at
the Centerpoint Cemetery near Strong. Visitation will be held from 6-9PM tonight at the Strong
Church of Christ. Services are under the direction of Perry's Funeral Chapels of Strong.
Memorials may be made to the Strong Church of Christ, Life Touch Hospice 2301
Champagnolle Rd. ElDorado, AR 71730 or Centerpoint Cemetery Fund C/O Tommy Nash 467
Old Strong Hwy. ElDorado, AR 71730