Joseph Franklin Saunders

Born on June 26, 1942, in Ashland, VA, Joe was the son of Henry and Mabel King Saunders. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Doonie, Foots, Charlie, Ben, and Goldie, his favorite (and only) sister.

Joe’s early years were filled with fond memories of working alongside his father at the local printing press and movie theater. After serving his country honorably in the U.S. Army while stationed in Hawaii, Joe returned home to begin the most meaningful chapter of his life. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Jane Binns. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and faith.

Joe and Jane were blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Connie (Walter), who filled his life with pride and joy. He was a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren: Sarah (David), Anna (Kason), Connor, Kyle "Psi", and Brixten, and was delighted to become a great-grandfather to little Audrey Marie, who brought him boundless happiness.

A man of deep faith, Joe served as an elder at Village Presbyterian Church, where his kindness and warmth touched countless lives. He was also a proud member of Virginia Clown Alley #3, known affectionately as "Checkers." Joe had a gift for humor, sharing jokes with everyone he met—sometimes the same one twice!

Joe was a dedicated member of the Virginia Association of Workers for the Blind and enjoyed many holiday weekends with his wife, Jane, at the VAWB’s Burkeville Lodge for the Blind, where they built lasting friendships and shared joyful memories.

Joe’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Nelsen Funeral Home (412 S Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA 23005), with visitation from 12:30-1:45. His clown friends are encouraged to come in costume, as Joe would have loved nothing more than for his farewell to be filled with laughter and joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Village Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23223, or to the VAWB, P.O. Box 116, Burkeville, VA 23922.

Joe Saunders lived a life filled with love, laughter, and faith, leaving a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.