Ronald Paul Saunders

Ronald Paul Saunders was born in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, on December 26, 1935. He attended Mark Twain Elementary School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, and Central High School of Tulsa. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and served 3 years active duty and 5 years reserve duty and attained the rank of sergeant. He spent 14 months in Korea, returning to Camp Pendleton, California in July 1955. He obtained several medals and awards for his service. In the following years he worked in several professions, including teaching guitar in various towns and music stores, as well as in community colleges; although his main career was with the U.S. Postal Service where he retired following 30 years of service. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with friends working on arts and craft projects for various festivals, buying and selling vintage autos, working on house remodeling projects and working part-time at Gulf Greyhound Park where he had many friends. He was also a very proud registered member of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. And, through his hard work and many hours, he was able to register his entire family. Although he didn’t always show it, he truly cared for everyone close to him, be it family, friends or associates and was more than willing to lend a helping hand. Preceded in death by his father, James Paul Saunders; mother, Leola Naomi Saunders; and wife, Laura Edwards. Survived by his daughter, Cheryl Lee Zientek and husband Michael Zientek; brother, James L. Saunders and wife Yvonne M. Saunders; sister, Peggy Ann Cilano and husband James Cilano; sister, Ellen Carol Rubey and husband Charles Rubey; three grandchildren, Lindsey Savell, Phillip Wright and Katy Zientek; three great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way; his close friends, Doug and Barbara Belair, and Alan Schmitt.