SAUNDERS, REV. PAUL F. - Rev. Paul F. Saunders of Peoria, Illinois passed away on April 19, 2012 at ManorCare at Riverview in East Peoria. He was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior. Paul was born on August 27, 1945 in Fredericton, NB to Earle and Edna (Clayden) Saunders. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John. He graduated from United Baptist Bible Training School in Moncton, NB in 1964. He married Myfanwy Bennett on March 12, 1966 in Moncton, NB. In addition to his wife, also surviving are his children, Kirsten (Scott) Krus, Valparaiso, IN, Mark (Eleanor) Saunders, Valrico, FL and Erin (Joe) Gingrich, Tremont, IL and seven grandchildren, Tory and Jon Krus, Ben, Cooper and Kynewyn Saunders and Jenna and Jill Gingrich; his mother-in-law, Joyce Bennett, Woodstock, NB; two brothers, Gordon (Bertha) Saunders, Fredericton, NB and Leonard (Yvette) Saunders, Moncton, NB; two sisters, Marion Little and Marjorie (Irvine) Curtis, both of Fredericton, NB; a sister-in-law, Maxine Saunders, Prince William, NB as well as many nieces and nephews. Paul spent his life working in Christian ministry as a music pastor in churches in New Brunswick, Maine, Massachusetts and Pekin, IL. Later Paul also continued in ministry serving on the staff of Peoria Rescue Ministries. Paul was blessed with musical talent as a keyboardist and choir director. He loved to direct large musical programs such as The Living Christmas Tree at First Baptist Church in Pekin, IL. Paul will be remembered for his compassion and encouragement to many. Those who knew him best will always remember his ability to tell a great story and his hearty laugh. Paul’s greatest passion was to serve his God and others.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Pekin, IL on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Prince William Cemeterty.
For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Paul, the family has suggested the D. Bruce Moore Scholarship Fund, c/o Devon Park Baptist Church, 145 Clark Street, Fredericton, NB E3A 2W8. Paul’s family is rejoicing that he is finally whole.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com or www.flewellingswan.com