COL Robert "Rocky" Saunders USArmy Ret

Chaplain (COL) US Army Retired

June 19, 1934 – June 20, 2023

Robert “Rocky” Saunders was born in Memphis TN on June 19, 1934. He was ordained in 1953 at LaBelle Baptist Church, Memphis TN. While attending Union Bible College in Jackson TN and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he pastored three churches. He was commissioned into the US Army Chaplain Corps in 1961, retiring from Fort Sam Houston in 1986 in the grade of Colonel. He is a Master Parachutist, serving in three airborne units [101st Airborne Division; 82nd Airborne Divisions; 18th Airborne Corps]. He had four overseas tours [Vietnam, Panama, Korea and Germany] and was re-called from retirement to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Following retirement from the Army, Rocky was Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) director in San Antonio, Texas; Director of England AFB Family Support Center, Louisiana; and, hospice chaplain in both San Antonio and Washington, DC. After moving to The Towers retirement community, he served for four years on the Board of Directors, two of those years as President.

Rocky is survived by his wife of 44+ years, Chaplain, Major General Lorraine K. Potter, USAF Ret. and three children: LTC Robert E. Saunders, Jr, US Army Ret. (Lisa) of Washburn TN; Paul D. Saunders (Joyce) of Norfolk NE; & Martha Landrum (Wesley) of Louisville TN. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynda M Barkley of New Albany MS. He is survived by four grandchildren: Andrew Saunders (Kerrie) of London, England; Joy Saunders Carmichael (Wade) of Norfolk, NE; Thomas Robert Landrum of Louisville TN; and, Jared Barkley (Meghan) of Hernando, MS; and, six great-grandchildren: Griffin Saunders, Spencer Carmichael, Elijah Barkley, Calvin Carmichael, Madeleine Saunders, and Ruby Carmichael. He survived by his “older” twin brother, Richard Edward Saunders (Ernestine) of Monterey, CA and their family. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Potter (Emily) of Richland, WA and, sister-in-law Lou-Ann LaPorte of Warwick, RI and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, 20 July 2023 at The Towers at 2:30 pm. Burial at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery with military honors will be Friday, 21 July 2023 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Rocky’ life and military service may be sent to Habitat for Humanity (311 Probandt Street, San Antonio TX 78204) or San Antonio Food Bank (5200 Historic Old Hwy 90W, San Antonio TX 78204).