Everett M. Saunders, 95, died Sept. 9, 2021, at Newton Presbyterian Manor.
He was born March 11, 1926, in LaClede County, Mo., to Clarence and Bertha M (Weddle) Saunders.
On Aug. 3, 1946, he married Lucille M. Willems at San Francisco. Lucille preceded him in death on May 27, 1998. He later married Jean Jackson on July 10, 2004, in Newton, and she survives.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newton.
Everett served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle aboard his ship.
After the war, Everett and Lucille remained in San Francisco, where he opened a grocery store, and later worked for the Dubuque Packing Company. In 1972, the couple returned to Newton, Kan., and he worked at Hesco Office Furniture. He retired from Precision Pattern in Wichita, where he built high-end aircraft furniture, including furniture that was installed on Air Force One. After retirement, Everett did not shy away from work. He owned several rental homes in the Newton area, doing his own maintenance work until he was 85 years old. He was known in town as a fair and caring landlord.
He had a love of animals and cared for many dogs, cats and other pets during his life. He also enjoyed cooking and sharing his creations with family and friends.
Everett is survived by his son, David and Terri Saunders; wife, Jean Saunders; stepdaughter, Jacque and Daryl Wedel; stepsons, Doug and Rose Jackson; Matt and Chelsea Jackson; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nine step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille; his parents; and his brother, Billy.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 20, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Chip Bungard presiding. Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at the funeral home, with family members being present from 1 to 3 p.m. Burial with Navy Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Kan.
Memorials instead of flowers may be made to the Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
