Harold Marvin Saunders

Harold was born on February 19, 1940, in Flint, MI, to Harold G. and Marion (Conrad) Saunders, then later moved with his family to Independence, IA. After gradating from Jefferson High School in Independence, he attended DeVry University in Chicago, IL. Harold later joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Denver, CO and served as a Top Secret Instructor for four years during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his career, Harold worked as a video engineer including positions at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, KWWL TV in Waterloo; AT&T, TCI, and OnMedia in Moline, IL, as well as John Deere.

On June 24, 1962, Harold was united in marriage to Rena Thompson-Morris at First Presbyterian Church of Independence, IA. They enjoyed almost 64 years of marriage, and along with raising their family, they enjoyed traveling throughout the country exploring new sights together, as well as bird watching, landscaping, and planting flowers at their home. Harold was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, IA where he and Rena loved participating in the First Night Out group and attending concerts in the church’s Performing Arts Series.

Harold is survived by his wife, Rena, and their two children: son Steven (Meg) Saunders of Milan, TN, and daughter Terena (James) Howard of Port Byron, IL; three grandchildren: Jennifer (and partner, Lee Stevens) Saunders of Milan, TN, Kristena (Patrick) Downing of Davenport, IA, and Devan Saunders of Las Vegas, NV; five great-grandchildren: Henry, Isaac, Lucy, Luke, and Bennett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Janette Johnson and Nona Burwinkle.

A private family ceremony to honor Harold’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Davenport Memorial Park.