Ronald Leon Saunders of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Born on February 16, 1950, he was the son of the late Charles Leon Saunders and G. Juanita McKean Saunders.

Ron graduated from Gallia Academy High School Class of 1968. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Cinda, on May 28, 1972. They were married for 53 years to the day. Together Ron and Cinda went on to have three sons. His sons, along with his grandchildren, were his pride and joy.

Ron worked for Holzer Health System for 40 years. He was a graduate of Rio Grande College in 1972. He then attended and graduated from The Ohio State University Class of 1974 as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Ron went on to pass the national exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He became the 14th person in Ohio to become Registered. At Holzer, Ron worked as a Respiratory Therapist and was promoted to Director of Respiratory Therapy. His co-workers and employees thought very highly of him. He was always kind and willing to offer a helping hand.

Ron was a member of Gallipolis Christian Church. He loved his Lord, his family and his community. Ron was a retired member of the Gallipolis Fire Department where he served passionately for 15 years. He truly had a heart for service.

Ron had a love for classic cars and John Deere tractors. He shared this passion with his sons. Ron collected model cars and memorabilia. He recently had a 1981 CJ7 Jeep restored, and he loved driving it and taking it to shows. Ron also enjoyed traveling with his wife and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Even with all his hobbies and interests, nothing compared to how much he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a very proud "Pappee" as evidenced by his personalized license plate, "W8 4 PAPE".

He is survived by his loving wife, Cinda Saunders,  his three sons, Brandon (Carrie) Saunders, Morgan (Jennifer) Saunders and Clayton (Andrea) Saunders, his loving brother, Brent (Shawn) Saunders, and his adoring grandchildren, Kaeden Saunders, Wyatt Saunders, Asher Saunders, Cade Saunders, Carlee Saunders, Carson Leon Saunders, Paisley Saunders and Chloe Beth Saunders. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who adored him.

Pallbearers are  Brandon Saunders, Morgan Saunders, Clayton Saunders, Clarke Saunders, Kaeden Saunders, Wyatt Saunders, Asher Saunders, Cade Saunders, Carlee Saunders, Carson Leon Saunders and Reid Noe.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brent Saunders, Kenny Cremeens, David Grimm, Mike Roe, Michael Shaver, Mario Rocchi, Roger Smith, Bill Goukenour, Paisley Saunders and his beloved dog, JakeyBoy Saunders.

Calling hours will be Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Waugh-Halley-Wood. The Funeral service will be Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00am at Waugh-Halley-Wood. A Celebration of Life will be held after the Mound Hill graveside service at the Holzer Leadership and Innovation Institute at 254 Jackson Pike for family and friends.

The family requests that anyone attending the funeral service and the Celebration of Life to please wear brightly colored or floral clothing. Ron always loved a nice Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirt!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's name to Gallipolis Christian Church.

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