Steven Mark Saunders

Steven Mark Saunders passed away Friday, August 12th, 2016 at Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach with his loving family by his side. Steve was a native Floridian, born in Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach on November 3rd, 1954, living all of his life in Palm Beach County. His lifestyle was typical of that of a locally bred fellow, including both sea and land activities. These involved fishing, diving, and hunting, as well as his talent for cultivating all forms of plant life and training the various pets (especially Odin) that shared his life. These diverse interests were also reflected in his work history, including operating room assistant, tending to various species of animals at Lion Country Safari, and employment at Pratt-Whitney in jet rocket analysis.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; Guy Saunders, Jr. and Jeanne Ashauer, his sister, Lynn Waters, and all of his aunts and uncles, except Hazel Roos, who just celebrated her 97th birthday, and the much younger Lorrie Wile.

Steve is survived by one sister, Lorraine “Lorie” Saunders of Lantana, Florida, one brother, Guy “Tripp” (Nancy) Saunders, III, and nephews; William “Bill” Waters, III, and Guy Evan (Kim) Saunders. Steve will be missed by his cousins; Trisha (Bob) Bishop, Vicki (Clark) Bridgman, Mike (Delesa) Morris David “Doug” Roos. Sandy (Dan) Smith, Diane (Douglas) Maxwell, Sandra (Jay) Match, and Virginia Thomas. He was blessed with close friendships dating back to his school days, several of whom have become second families to him ever since: Paul and Vicki Lehto, Steve and Celeste Campbell; friends Marty and Donny Donofrio, and Craig Lamb also had a long history with Steve. He often expressed his gratitude to Debra Saunders for her support. Steve was a most unique individual with many different interests to which he devoted much time and talent, including model building, collecting gems and cigar boxes, and reading science fiction tales, among others. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial Gathering will be Sunday, August 28th, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to Noon with Memorial Service at Noon at Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, 3401

Kirk Road, Lake Worth, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing it may contribute to any animal welfare organization in Steve’s name or to Trustbridge Hospice, whose compassionate and skillful care made his last days bearable to Steve himself and those who loved him.