Donald G. Saunders

October 22, 1926 – November 29, 2013

Donald G. Saunders, 87 of Grand Junction, Colorado, died peacefully at his home, November 29, 2013 after an extended illness.

Donald was born in Alliance, Nebraska, October 22, 1926 to Pearl and Alfred Saunders. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Oshkosh, Nebraska as corn and wheat farmers. He attended school at Antelope Valley until the 8th grade, when he left to help support his siblings; Hazel McNulty, who preceded him in death, and Doris Heitt of Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Don’s focus became automobiles and their mechanical service. He spent the greatest portion of adulthood in sales and service with multiple dealerships in California and Colorado.

Don met Virginia Marie (Smith) at a Halloween dance. They married June 4, 1950 at the First German Congregational Church in Globeville (Denver) Colorado.

Don greatly enjoyed the outdoor life, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and motor home traveling. He was an accomplished bowler and golfer, achieving many tournament championships.

Don leaves behind his wife of 63 years; Virginia Marie Saunders of Grand Junction, Colorado. Their son, Dale Allen and his wife Nancy of Monument, Colorado and their daughter Kathryn Alana of Montgomery, Alabama. Their daughter, Doneen Marie (Saunders) Sawyer, husband Ronald Raymond of Grand Junction and their daughter Morgan Lynn (Sawyer) Anderson, husband Robert and their daughter Kensley Brooke of Fruita; and their son; Benjamin Thomas of Denver, Colorado; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and grand nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Messiah Lutheran Church and School, 840 N 11th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 with the Reverend Timothy D. Storck presiding. Burial will take place in the springtime at Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.