Joe W. Saunders

Joe W. Saunders, 69, Regional Archeologist and Professor of Geosciences at University of Louisiana, Monroe since 1989 passed away in Fayetteville, Ark., Sept. 4, 2017 from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's complications. He was predeceased by his wife, Sunny Meriwether, of Monroe, and is survived by four siblings. Dr. Saunders spent his childhood in Peru, attended Subiaco Academy, Ark., held degrees from University Arkansas and Southern Methodist University, and conducted field work throughout Louisiana and Texas, Egypt and South Africa. He authored scores of research papers. In 1996, he was awarded the C. B. Moore Award for Excellence in Southeastern Archaeology by Harvard University for his investigations and discovery of 39 Archaic Mound sites constructed ca. 4,500 years ago in Louisiana, many of which have been permanently preserved by the Archeological Conservancy and State of Louisiana. These mounds predate by several thousand years what had been thought to be the earliest mounds in N. America. Known and respected by both professional and amateur collaborators, Jessica Crawford of The Archaeological Conservancy said "His concern about humanity in general set him apart. He is one of the kindest people with one of the kindest hearts I've ever met. The people of Louisiana have been so fortunate to have had him working for their state." Plans for a ceremony are pending.