Cmdr. Walter Capt. Ernie Ernest Saunders Sr

Cmdr. Walter Ernest Saunders, Sr., U.S. Navy, went to join his Creator on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at his son's home in Newport News, Virginia.He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Pollard Saunders Strickland and

W.E. Saunders, II; his sister Anne Aultman; his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Cooper Saunders; his infant daughter, Joy

Webb; and granddaughter, Charity Kiser.

He was much loved by all who knew him. He grew up in Sylvester, Ga., Tampa, Jacksonville and Ocala, Fla. During

World War II, he graduated from Annapolis, Class of '46, which was rushed through in three years and why he was

the youngest officer on board the USS Missouri at the signing of the Japanese surrender.

Marriage to Dorothy was followed by seven children and postings to Jacksonville, Fla; Columbus, Ohio; Virginia Beach,

Va; and his beloved Key West, Fla., where he retired after 26 years in the Navy. He became a light tackle charter fishing

guide on his cherished Key Corsair. This second career brought clients from all over the US who fished with "Capt. Ernie"

time after time for over 30 years. He sat on the board of the Key West Chapter of The Salvation Army and, together

with Dorothy, was an active member of the United Methodist "Old Stone" Church for 45 years.

He is survived by his children Emily Saunders Friedman (Paul), Louise Saunders Kiser (Shane), Walter Ernest Saunders, Jr., Olin Cooper Saunders (Sandi), Robert Calhoun Saunders, and Scott Andrew Saunders; six grandchildren, Share

Kiser, Brian Friedman (Stephanie), Bekah Friedman Brigten (Joel), Joshua Saunders (Lori), Sharra Saunders DeHart

(Aaron) and Amber Saunders Taylor (Bruce); and five great grandchildren, Cameron, Kendall, Camden, Noah and

Paige.

The family is deeply indebted to Sandi, who although not born to him was his third daughter, enabling him to be at home

until the end.

Arrangements are made for a memorial sevice at Key West United Methodist Church on June 8th at 5 pm. Interment

will be at Arlington National Cemetery in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory

to be sent to Key West UMC, The Salvation Army or the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.