Gabriel D. Gabe Saunders

Gabriel D. 'Gabe' Saunders, 29, of Bidwell, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Holzer Medical Center Emergency Room. He was born June 21, 1980 in Gallipolis, son of Steve and Darla Saunders and they survive him. He was a 1998 River Valley High School graduate and received an Associates Degree in Plant Maintenance from the University of Rio Grande. Gabe was employed at AEP Gavin Plant in the Maintenance Department. He was a 9 year U.S. Army veteran, where he served in Korea and while in the National Guard he served in Iraq and Kuwait. Gabe was a member of Faith Baptist Church, the Vinton VFW, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Centerville Masonic Lodge #371, Gallipolis Shrine Club, Elks #107, and Hillbilly Clan #7 aka 'Chevy Hayes'. He enjoyed football, hunting, being an uncle and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving him are his parents, Steve and Darla Saunders of Bidwell; two sisters, McKinsey Jason McPherson of Thurman and Mariah Rob Woodward of Wheelersburg; two nieces, whom he loved dearly, Grace Woodward and Maggie McPherson; his grandparents, Haskell and Ivy Saunders of Bidwell; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his girlfriend, Molly Ruff of Bidwell; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Amy Vinson, an uncle, Eddie Nelson, maternal grandmother, Margaret Chambers in 1981 and his maternal grandfather, Captain Harry 'Dan' Chambers in 1993. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Hammond and Pastor Jim Lusher officiating. Burial will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 4-8 p.m. There will be full military services by volunteers of area veteran's lodges. Pallbearers will be family and friends, Jason McPherson, Rob Woodward, Josh Saunders, Nate Young, Josh Mershon, Jared Moore, Brian Vinson, Pete Saunders, Gregg Deel, Jay Stout, Josh Bodimer, Nate Stanley, Grant Williamson, Barry Roe, Nick Rocchi and Brandon Hess. Honorary Pallbearers will be uncles, Bill Young, Phillip Saunders, Doyle Saunders, Keith Saunders, Mark Mershon, Jim Vinson and Dallas Collingsworth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gabe's memory to River Valley High School Athletic Facility, c/o Gallia County Local Schools, attn: Sandra Foster, 230 Shawnee Lane, Gallipolis, OH 45631. Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Cemetery: 2009-10-18 Ohio Valley Memory Gardens Gallipolis OH US Visitation: 2009-10-17 16:00:00-20:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US Service: 2009-10-18 14:00:00 Willis Funeral Home Gallipolis OH US