Earl Ray Saunders, Sr.

Our beloved Earl Ray Saunders was born (May 22, 1938) in a small farming town of Minneapolis, Kansas. He was the youngest child of Frank W. and Mary Jane Saunders, in a sib ship of four; two brothers and one sister Mary Louise White, proceeded in death.

At an early age Earl knew the Lord and the family was of Baptist faith. He enjoyed the small town atmosphere and was active in all sports and the boy scouts. Even though he loved his family, he had "Big Man Dreams" he wanted to see the world. After high school, he left home and entered Colorado State College, where he completed an Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Industrial Technology. He enjoyed telling the story of his "car breaking down" on his way to the university. At that time, he was 'saved' by a stranger, this act of kindness became a pattern of his lifestyle, which resulted in Earl spending his life helping others; no one was a stranger to Earl.

Earl attempted to put multiple lives into one. He entered the United States Air Force in 1962 and in 1966 he received an honorable discharge.

For a brief period, he was employed at McDouglas Air Craft. His work history also took him to places like, Hawaii and Vietnam.

Earl met and married Ethel Lee Briscoe on May 28, 1967, form this union they was blessed with one son, Earl Saunders Jr. Earl and Ethel raised their family in Carson, California. Their faith remained strong and they were long term members for over 25 years pr Paradise Baptist Church (Reverend. A.D. Iverson). He was employed for 38 years at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center. His tenure was from 1977 - 2003, at which time he retired as the Director of Building and Craft. During this time he received his Bachelors of Science in Business and Industrial Technology.

In 2004 Earl and Ethel relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. They became devoted followers of Victory Baptist Church (Dr Robert E Fowler, Sr.) Earl remained an avid sports fan, especially football. He also enjoyed playing Keno.

Earl would light up any room with his humor. His most cherished accomplishments, was his family and friends.

After a brief illness, Earl was called home on August 17, 2014. Memories of Earl will live forever. We thank God for sending Earl into our lives.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ethel Lee Saunders, his son Earl Saunders Jr. (Los Angeles, California), one granddaughter Trinity (Los Angeles, California), two brothers Frank Saunders Jr. (Long Beach, California), Donald Saunders, (Abilene, Kansas) and a host of family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm South Jones Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.