RAYMOND A. SAUNDERS

ELLSWORTH – Raymond A. Saunders, 87, died Oct. 29, 2008, at an Ellsworth hospital. He was born Feb. 11, 1921, in Sedgwick, the son of Austin E. and Alta (Gray) Saunders. Ray loved his community and was an outstanding citizen of Ellsworth. He was affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years, Katahdin Area Council and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, Lygonia Masonic Lodge No. 40, served on the board of directors of Meadow View Apartments and was treasurer of Woodbine Cemetery Association. He worked for Fred W. Beal for 25 years and Morrison Chevrolet for 32 years. He was bail commissioner for Hancock County for 44 years and a former member of the Jaycees and Kiwanis of Ellsworth. Raymond is survived by four sons, Donald A. Saunders and his wife, Sherry L., Allan F. Saunders and his wife, Brenda, Bryon C. Saunders and his wife, Susan A. and Gary F. Saunders and his wife, Karen A., all of Ellsworth; one brother, Roice E. Saunders of Ellsworth; grandchildren, Betsy, Andrea, Hillary, Lindey, Renee, Rebecca, Brandon, Leavitt and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Mallori, Quinton, Caleb, Kameron, Austin, Nickson and Miles; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Edith Allen. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances in 1995; son, Edward in 1987; and infant daughter, Betsy. Friends are invited to meet with the family 2-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, 2 Church St. A Masonic graveside service will be held at Woodbine Cemetery, Ellsworth, after the memorial service. Gifts in Ray’s memory may be made to Downeast Family YMCA, P.O. Box 25, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Capital Campaign, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.