Fredric Milam Saunders

Please let this notice serve to inform those interested that I died on October 20, 2024.

To all those I have injured or offended, I apologize.

My life has been blessed with more good fortune than I ever deserved or had a right to expect. To all those who assisted in causing that to happen, thank you.

Sincerely,

Fred Saunders

~~~~~

Fredric Milam Saunders passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024. Fred was born on July 4, 1932, in Kenedy, Texas to the late Freddie Milam Saunders and Charles Lemuel Saunders. Fred is predeceased by his two half-brothers, Rhoderick Kelso “Pete” Saunders and Charles Lemuel Saunders, Jr.

Fred is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gayle Donovan Perry Saunders of Houston, Texas, his daughter Meredith Anne Saunders Mason and husband Richard Alan Mason of Austin, his son Stuart Donovan Saunders and wife Farrell Harris Saunders of Houston, seven grandchildren, and his sister, Mary Ella “Susie” Saunders Milam of Austin, Texas.

Fred grew up in Mission, Texas where he was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Mission High School. He played basketball for Schreiner Junior College and then The University of Texas at Austin. While at The University of Texas, he was named All Southwest Conference. After graduation, Fred completed his ROTC obligation in the Army Transportation Corps in Ohio, before returning to Texas to begin his life in Houston. He and Gayle were married on August 24, 1957, and he quickly settled into banking. Fred spent most of his career in east Harris County as President and Chairman of Channelview Bank which later became Prime Bank.

Of all his qualities and skills, perhaps most impressive was his commitment to family and friends. Fred regularly attended dance recitals, little league baseball games, basketball games, swim meets, band concerts, football games, lacrosse games, and drill team competitions. He was a dedicated member of many organizations including Northshore Rotary Club, North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, YMCA board of directors, The Lighthouse of Houston board of directors, Breakfast Association of Houston, and the Houston Racquet Club where he and his tennis bunch spent decades enjoying tennis and fellowship. He cared about people and worked at maintaining relationships over decades and without regard to distance.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at noon at the Houston Racquet Club. For those desiring, contributions in memory of Fred may be made to Heritage Classical Academy, 602 Sawyer St., Suite 720, Houston, Texas 77007 or online at www.heritageed.org , or a charity of your choice.