David Henry Saunders, M.D.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, Dr. David Henry Saunders, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and tremendous friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 75 after a courageous eight month battle with glioblastoma.

Born on August 21, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Henry and Marjorie (Marx) Saunders, David received his Bachelor of Science degree from Washington University in St. Louis (go Bears!) and his medical degree from Ohio State University (go Buckeyes!), where he met his first wife Jo-Ann Friedman. They raised two children together, Jami and Adam. David later married Celia (Rose) Saunders in 2003 and shared a wonderful life of traveling the world, enjoying friends both new and old, eating out, and always finding new adventures. David was a wonderful role model and step-father to Todd, Robby, and Michael.

As a nationally renowned eye plastic surgeon (“golden hands”), David had a passion for finance. He loved reading ETF reports and researching municipal bonds and was continuously disappointed when his children would ask him "no brainer" questions like “What’s a basis point"? He was obsessed with Denzel Washington/Jennifer Garner/Matt Damon action movies (the gorier the better) and his beloved "Game of Thrones" (he watched the complete series, all eight seasons, more than six times). His private joy was watching YouTube videos of successful achievements (US Women’s soccer team, Secretariat, and winners of "America’s Got Talent"). He loved to mentor- anyone from family, friends of family, and to waiters he only met once. He loved Dairy Queen “Blizzards” with cookie dough, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, and Oreos; he was infamous for eating out of the container. In earlier years, David had a real passion for horses and was an award winning show-jumper. He loved Vegas (especially Craps - "Bet the 'Don’t Pass' line!"), Diet Root Beer, Jim Brown, and Crystal Cruises. He was a firm believer in the adage “Jews don’t drink". But he sure did love a Jewish joke, especially from his bi-weekly (nearly 40 years and going strong) poker group. He was known for his wry smile, quiet strength, and his moustache. He maintained his sense of humor through his very last days. A special thanks to our wonderful caregivers Blessing, Judy, and Nicholas who helped make David comfortable while battling this disease.

David was preceded in death by his father Henry, and his granddaughter Olive. He is survived by his wife Celia, his first wife Jo-Ann, his children Jami (Nathan) and Adam (Eve), his step-children Todd (Yulia), Robby, and Michael, his 102 year old mother Marjorie, sister Sally (Bob), brother Tom (Meg), grandson Zeke, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25 at 12:30 pm at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas, TX, followed by a graveyard service at Sparkman Hillcrest and then returning to Temple for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to UTSW BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH https://engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now A Saturday Minyan service will be held at the Saunders' home.