Walter L "Dewey" Saunders

PEKIN ~ Walter L. "Dewey" Saunders, 68, of 1423 Delray, passed away at 1:57 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Pekin Hospital Emergency Room. Born December 27, 1940 in Pekin to Walter J. and Virgie E. (Hamm) Saunders, he married Laura Counterman on September 21, 1967 in Pekin. She survives. Also surviving are one son, Ted Lee Saunders of Green Valley; one daughter, Della Ray (Craig) McKinney of Pekin; one grandson, Curtis McKinney of Pekin; and one brother, James (Kathy) Saunders of Green Valley. His parents preceded him in death.Walter was a mechanic at Scherer Buick for 31 years, retiring in 1998. An avid horseback rider, Walter was a member of the Chautauqua-Goofy Ridge Sportsmen's Club and the Spoon River Riding Club. He also was an avid fan of Nascar racing, especially Dale Jarrett. Walter was the kindest, sweetest man and was entirely devoted to his family. His funeral will be Friday, April 3, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2009at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Steven M. Rowell, Sr. will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Dr., Ste. 403, Decatur, IL 62526 or to the Easter Seals Foundation 507 East Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603.