- Date Of Birth: November 9, 1924
- Date Of Death: August 10, 2017
- State: Illinois
Reverend Doctor Raymond Douglas Saunders, age 92, of Freeport, IL, who lived and died by the providence of God, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2017. He was born November 9, 1924, in Chelmsford, MA to the late John and Janet (Peverill) Saunders. Raymond married Helen Gentry on August 23, 1950, in Tennessee. After high school, Raymond attended Maryville College, Maryville, TN, where he received his bachelor’s degree, interrupting his studies to serve for three years in the United State Army.
He went on to McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, where he received his master’s and doctoral degrees. Raymond was a Presbyterian Minister in North Dakota, Chicago, South Dakota, and Tennessee. In addition to serving the community through his ministry, Raymond enjoyed bird-watching, hiking, reading, teaching, storytelling, and spending time with his family.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Helen Saunders of Freeport; his three daughters, Joyce (Mike) Wymer of Rock City, Judith (Pete) Deszcz of Chicago, and Bonnie Rae (Brian) Letton of Pecatonica; his grandchildren, Jason Rupnow (Kenalee McPeek), Tim (Katie) Rupnow, Sarah (Joel) Boettner, Ted (Kara) Rupnow, Todd Rupnow, Angie (Scott) Wech-Gussick, Linsey Wymer, Tim (Tammy) Wymer, Ed Deszcz, André Deszcz, Grace Letton, Wai-Yee Letton, Jayson Letton, Tiffany Letton, and Bret Letton; 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Janet, and his three siblings, Pearl Schuler, Arnold Saunders, and Mary Leonard.
