Wayne Saunders

Wayne O. Saunders, age 87 of Charlevoix went to be with his Lord on December 14, 2017 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix.

Wayne was born on August 6, 1930 in Charlevoix to the late Oakley and Audria (Yahr) Saunders. He was born and raised on the family farm. He graduated from Michigan State College graduating with a two year elevator farm supply course. Wayne and his wife Sally began their own farm where they raised chickens, cows and kids. Wayne was a board member for Charlevoix County Road Commission for 22 years and also delivered bread for Michigan Bakeries for 8 years. He also drove school bus for 10 years for the Char-Em School District. He was a member of the Barnard United Methodist Church, Charlevoix County Soil Conservation Board for 20 years, Northern Michigan Beef Breeders Association as president for 25 years, Charlevoix County Farm Bureau since the age of 18 and was supervisor for Eveline Township for 8 years.

On August 5, 1950 in Boyne City, Wayne married Sally J. McNeal who survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Virginia (Richard) Metzger of Durham, NC, Susan (Mark) Schwenke of Pound, WI, Diane (Gifford) Lawson of San Luis Obispo, CA; daughter-in-law, Dorothy (Dennis) Saunders-Dies of Indian River; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Betty (Herbert) Griffin of East Jordan and Marjorie (Saunders) Doernenburg of Petoskey and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Blain and brother, Milford Saunders.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Barnard United Methodist Church with Pastor Craig Pahl officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Interment will take place in Brookside Cemetery in Spring 2018. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Barnard United Methodist Church or Salvation Army.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Boulder Park Terrace, Northwest Hospice and Pastor Craig Pahl for all of their love and care.

Arrangements are being handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.