Paul Benjamin Saunders

Estes Park resident Paul Saunders died at his home October 21, 2015. He was 81 years old. Paul Benjamin Saunders, III was born February 4, 1934 in Oak Park, IL. His parents were Paul B. Saunders, Jr. and Aldyth (Workman) Saunders. On September 6, 1953 he married Marilyn Baker in Kewanee, IL. The couple moved to Boulder, CO in 1955, to California in 1965 and retired to Estes Park in 1987. Paul was a designing Architect and owned and operated Paul Saunders Design. In California, he designed and built many rides and buildings at Disneyland. He also designed and built several homes and businesses in Estes Park including Ravencrest Chalet. Paul was a huge part of starting KREV FM radio in the Estes Valley, raising the funds needed to get established. KREV, which first broadcast from the United Methodist Church of Estes Park had programs such as The German Hour, Lights Down Low and Sunday Morning Southern Gospel. Earlier this year, the station moved to Woodstock Drive and continues to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For twenty years, Paul enjoyed treating local children to an opportunity to prove they were not naughty, but nice and express their wishes for Christmas presents. Paul was a member of the United Methodist Church of Estes Park where he was the sound technician, and Lay Leader. His greatest passions were work in the Church, Music where he played Tuba in 2 bands for 25 years, the radio station which he started in 2002 and being Santa to many children. One of his memorable events was to christen his 2 youngest great granddaughters on his 62nd wedding Anniversary this year. Paul is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons David of Fort Collins, CO and Steven of Loveland, CO and daughter Debra Yardley and husband Robert of Sutton Colefield, England. He is also survived by a sister Patricia Everett of Pearl River, NY and grandchildren Sarah Saunders of Las Vegas, NV, Heather Eason(Troy) of Cascade, CO and Jason Yardley of Sutton Colefield. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John who died in the Vietnam War. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 14, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church. In Paul’s memory, donations may be made to KREV Radio in care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517.