Wayne Saunders

Wayne Saunders 87, of Scottsbluff, passed away at Golden Living Center on May 21st, 2008. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 20th Street and First Avenue Monday, May 26, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Brad Gustafson officiating, with a coffee reception following. Cremation was held at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory. Contributions are welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, 101 East 20th Street, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 69361, or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1517 Broadway, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 69361. Wayne was born on October 25, 1920 in Kearney, Nebraska to Earl and Viola (Marlin) Saunders. He graduated from Chadron High School in 1938 and attended Chadron State College for two years. He went on to attend John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas—graduating in June of 1942 with a B.S. in Engineering with a major in building construction. He remained at the university as an associate teacher until December 1942 when he enlisted in the US Navy. After Naval training he was assigned to the 95th Naval Construction Battalion (SeaBees). The 95th served in the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands and on Iwo Jima. He was discharged in February 1946 and returned to his family home in Chadron, Nebraska. Wayne married Patricia Kelley in her home in Scottsbluff on September 17, 1946. They raised three children, Vivian, Rick, and Patricia. While he worked for Scottsbluff Sash and Door, he and Dave Steinmark formed Saunders and Steinmark Builders. From 1959 to 1968 numerous quality custom homes were built throughout the area by the partnership. Their first projects were building their family homes on Dineen Avenue. For three years his son Rick joined him in the home construction business. From 1968 to his retirement in 1999, his focus was on building and custom home remodeling, building cabinets and furniture. Wayne volunteered his workmanship in building projects at his church. He enjoyed his home and garden, traveling and visiting with his family. He is survived by his wife Patricia Saunders and sister Ramona Warner of Scottsbluff Surviving children, Vivian and Al Amundson, grandchildren, Scott and Melissa Chaput, Matt and Anna Amundson, and greatgrandson Zach Chaput of the Denver, Colorado area. Surviving daughter Patricia Stogsdill, grandchildren Mark Stogsdill and Rachel Stogsdill of Aurora, Colorado. Surviving children: Rick and Judy Saunders, grandchildren, Tiffany Maguire, great grandchildren Tristen, Patrick, and Jackson Maguire, of Augusta Georga; grandchildren Stuart and Michelle Saunders, great grandchildren, Kayce and Kody Saunders of Moore Oklahoma.