Joseph Donald Saunders, Sr., 85, Bidwell, died Wednesday morning, May 19, 2010, at Holzer Medical Center. Born May 30, 1924, in Gallia County. He was the son of the late J.D. Saunders and the late Clara Pearl McMillian Saunders. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by eight brothers and sisters, Aaron, George, Bennett, Noah and Leslie Saunders, Cora Belle Houser, Mary Thievener and Anna Fields, and by one grandson.

Joe was a United States Army Veteran, serving in World War II. He was a paratrooper during the Normandy Invasion. He attended the Debbie Drive Chapel. He was a former employee of the Gallipolis Developmental Center.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Marie McGuire Saunders, 4 children, Clara (John) Hale of Jackson, Joseph (Sandra) Saunders Jr. of Gallipolis, Josh Saunders of Gallipolis, Millie (Derek) Gilbert of Addison. 5 step children, Teri (Dallas) Ohlinger of Florida, Linda (Jerry) Caldwell of Lawrence Co., Donna Pope of Gallipolis, Robin (Donald) Norris of Bidwell and Wendy (Kevin) Taylor of Jackson; 22 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his former wife, Thelma (Emmett) Raines of Gallipolis.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Jack Harless officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Mercerville Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the funeral home.

Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Saunders, Jr., Josh Saunders, Michael Saunders, Robert McGuire, Kevin Taylor, Tim McGuire, Gary McGuire, Donald Norris, and Joey Saunders.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com.