Charles Leon Saunders of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

Born on December 12, 1926, he was the son of the late Charles and Nancy Saunders. He was proceeded in death by his sister Irene Roberson.

Leon graduated from Gallia Academy High School Class of 1944. Leon and his sweetheart, Gloria Juanita McKean, were married on Christmas Day 1945.  On Dec. 28 ^th Leon left for Berlin Germany to serve his country in the United States Army.  Eighteen months later Sgt. Saunders returned to Gallia County.

Leon was employed at the Ohio Valley Bank Company for 45 years. He was a graduate of National Mortgage School of The American Bankers Association and the Ohio State University and was honored with a degree from Ohio Bankers Association Trust Division at Ashland College.  At Ohio Valley Bank, he served in positions ranging from Teller all the way to Senior Vice President, Trust Officer, and Secretary of the Board.  After retirement, Leon was elected to the Ohio Valley Bank Board of Directors and honored as Director Emeritus.  Through Leon's work he was able to develop great friendships and touch many lives in his community. A banking colleague recently said "He was an extra ordinary man who made the lives happier for everyone he came in contact with."

He was a charter member of the Gallipolis Lions Club and a top lightbulb salesman for several years to assist in raising funds for lights for sight. He was also involved in a joint business with two of his best friends, Dr. Keith Brandeberry and Warren F. Sheets.

Leon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gallipolis, OH. Leon loved his Lord, family, friends and community.

He is survived by his bride of 72 years, Juanita Saunders and his two sons, Ronald (Cinda) Saunders and Brent (Shawn) Saunders of Gallipolis, Ohio, and His Nephew Gary Roberson.

His grandchildren were the apple of his eye. They include Brandon (Carrie) Saunders, Morgan (Jennifer) Saunders, Clayton (Andrea) Saunders, Clarke (Morgan) Saunders and Brynn (Andrew) Noe. "Poppie's" Great grandchildren are Kaeden Saunders, Wyatt Saunders, Cade Saunders, Carlee Saunders, Asher Saunders, Rylee Saunders, Paisley Saunders, Benjamin Noe, Chloe Saunders, Austin Charles Saunders, Carson Leon Saunders.

Pallbearers Brandon Saunders, Morgan Saunders, Clayton Saunders, Clarke Saunders, Andrew Noe, Kaeden Saunders, and Wyatt Saunders.

Honorary Pallbearers Wendell Thomas and Ed Stewart.

Calling hours will be at the First Baptist Church in Gallipolis, Ohio on Saturday November 18 ^th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  The Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church on Sunday November 19 ^th at 2:00pm with Pastor Fred Williams officiating. Burial will follow the services in Mound Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Leon's honor to City of Gallipolis designated to the Gallipolis in Lights, 333 Third Ave., Gallipolis, Ohio or Holzer Heritage Foundation attention Linda Lester, Holzer Health System, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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