Gerald Saunders, 86, Canton, PA passed away unexpectedly with loved ones beside him on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Guthrie Troy Community Hospital.
He was born in Grover, PA April 29, 1931, the last surviving child of the late Franklin and Lilly (Bastion) Saunders.
He married the former Joyce Marie Shadduck Dec. 21, 1949 in Grover. They shared over 66 years of marriage and raised three children before her passing on Dec. 3, 2016.
Gerald was always one to stay busy. He was a handyman who could do about anything he put his mind to. He was employed by the former Facet/Purolator Enterprises in Elmira Heights for over 33 years until retiring in 1983. He then enjoyed driving for Endless Mountains Transportation Authority for 10 years.
In earlier years, he worked at Canton’s Belmar, Swayze’s, Landon Cedar Ledge and drove for Canton Ambulance. As a young man, Gerald was a member of the Grover Church of Christ before becoming a member of the Church of Christ, (Disciples of Christ) in Canton. He was a life-member of Canton’s Innes Hose Company and served in several positions including Assistant Fire Chief. He also was a dedicated, very active member in the Loyal Order of the Moose Canton Lodge 429 earning their highest honor, the Pilgrim Degree and serving in several offices as well as Governor. But most important to Gerald were his children, grandkids and great grandchildren. He also loved to visit with people and he told it as he saw it. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and was a former member of the Grover Hunting Camp. Gerald and Joyce enjoyed camping, especially with special friends Bob and Dorothy Allen.
He was born in Grover, PA April 29, 1931, the last surviving child of the late Franklin and Lilly (Bastion) Saunders.
He married the former Joyce Marie Shadduck Dec. 21, 1949 in Grover. They shared over 66 years of marriage and raised three children before her passing on Dec. 3, 2016.
Gerald was always one to stay busy. He was a handyman who could do about anything he put his mind to. He was employed by the former Facet/Purolator Enterprises in Elmira Heights for over 33 years until retiring in 1983. He then enjoyed driving for Endless Mountains Transportation Authority for 10 years.
In earlier years, he worked at Canton’s Belmar, Swayze’s, Landon Cedar Ledge and drove for Canton Ambulance. As a young man, Gerald was a member of the Grover Church of Christ before becoming a member of the Church of Christ, (Disciples of Christ) in Canton. He was a life-member of Canton’s Innes Hose Company and served in several positions including Assistant Fire Chief. He also was a dedicated, very active member in the Loyal Order of the Moose Canton Lodge 429 earning their highest honor, the Pilgrim Degree and serving in several offices as well as Governor. But most important to Gerald were his children, grandkids and great grandchildren. He also loved to visit with people and he told it as he saw it. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and was a former member of the Grover Hunting Camp. Gerald and Joyce enjoyed camping, especially with special friends Bob and Dorothy Allen.
Surviving are children; Barry (Gerry) Saunders, Leroy, Diana (Donald) Packard and Deborah (Dale) Huffman all of Canton; grandchildren; Russell (Kelly) Freeman of New Jersey, Shawn Packard of Leroy, Nicole (Matt) Allen, Troy, Denise (Corey) Schrader, York, Brian (Jamie) Huffman and Emily Huffman all of Canton; several great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife Joyce, he was predeceased by six siblings; Ada (Carl) Woodward, Ed (Hazel) Saunders, Calvin (Wilma) Saunders, Jane (Dick) Terry, Wayne (Shirley) Saunders and Eleanor Saunders.
Calling hours are 10 - noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton. Rev. Nancy Beahm will officiate the funeral and committal services following visitation. Burial will follow in Beech Flats Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to the Green Free Library, 38 North Center St. Canton, PA 17724.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
In addition to his wife Joyce, he was predeceased by six siblings; Ada (Carl) Woodward, Ed (Hazel) Saunders, Calvin (Wilma) Saunders, Jane (Dick) Terry, Wayne (Shirley) Saunders and Eleanor Saunders.
Calling hours are 10 - noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton. Rev. Nancy Beahm will officiate the funeral and committal services following visitation. Burial will follow in Beech Flats Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to the Green Free Library, 38 North Center St. Canton, PA 17724.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
