Vernon K. "Sparky" Saunders

Vernon K. “Sparky” Saunders, 82, of Lima, died at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born July 2, 1932, in Lima, to Wilbur and Reva (Herring) Saunders who preceded him in death. On Aug. 2, 1950, he married Marjorie Rose Jennings who died Aug. 30, 2014.

Surviving are four children: Cheryl Theis of Lima, Lynn (Linda) Saunders of Elida, Gregory Saunders of Piqua and Debra (John Neugebauer) Saunders of Dublin; fifteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Saunders, a son-in-law, Vernon Theis, a brother, Donald Saunders and a sister, Marilyn Adams.

Mr. Saunders retired after 30 years as a police officer for the Lima Police Department. After retirement, he worked at U.N.O.H. in Safety Services. Among many interests, he enjoyed restoring player pianos and vintage radios. He was a private pilot, an aircraft enthusiast and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lima Lodge #21.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, with Rev. Jim King officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery with burial rites by the Lima Police Department.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 2-4, and 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home, where the Fraternal Order of Police Lima Lodge #21 will hold a memorial service at 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Home Care and Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.