Robert H Saunders

Robert H. Saunders, 87, of Midway, passed away June 28, 2013, after a long struggle with Parkinson's. He was born February 15, 1926, the son of Roy and Lydia Saunders. Robert served 60 years as a deacon at Midway Baptist Church, where he also served in several capacities through the years, including song leader and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of the Neighbors Cemetery Board and had served the Midway City Council, the Solid Waste Disposal Authority (Hot Springs County), and the Ouachita Fire Department. He retired from Reynolds Metal Company in 1987. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Arena. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Margaret McGuire Saunders; two sons, Max (Robin) Saunders of Longview, Texas, and mark (Trudy) Saunders of Sacramento, California; two step daughters, Beverly Slavens of Arkadelphia and Sandi McGuire of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Adam (Jill) Saunders of Midway; Scott Saunders of Longview, Texas; Greg Saunders of Nacogdoches, Texas, Adrian (Andy) Hogg of Dericks; seven great-grandchildren, Savannah, Gracie, Riley and James H of Midway; Ally and Lilly Hogg and Brayden Kirby of Dierks. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Mabry, Carroll and James; his sister Maurice, his first wife and mother of his sons, Lois McClain Saunders; and a grandson, James. A. Saunders. The family wishes to thank their church family, their friends and neighbors, Hot Springs County Home Health, the staff at Arkansas Hospice wing of Mercy Hospital, and the home care staff of Arkansas Hospice, especially CNA Helen Hughes. They also wish to thank health care givers Jill Saunders, Pat Trammel, and Faith White. A private funeral service was held at Midway Baptist Church on Monday July 1, 2013 at 10a.m. With Bro. Kevin Sperlin officiating. Visitation was held at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel in Malvern on Sunday June 30, 2013 with burial at Neighbors Cemetery in Midway. Memorials may be made to the building fund of Midway Baptist Church, to Neighbors Cemetery, or to Arkansas Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Ark. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.