Franklin Neale Saunders

Franklin Neale Saunders of Stevensville, MD, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton after collapsing at his home on Easter night. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was 74. Born on July 21, 1941, in Tibitha, ViA, he was the son of the late Winfield Scott and Mary Edna Newsome Saunders. Frank is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lois Simmons Saunders of Stevensville; daughter, Karen Saunders (Brian Sutton) of New Market; son, Kevin Saunders (Chrisie) of Stevensville; five grandchildren, Luke, Ben and Caden Theodore and Jacob and Emily Saunders; sisters, Violet Whay (Sonny) and Sharon Jett, both of VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Lucile and Joseph Robertson. Frank grew up in Virginia’s Northern Neck Chesapeake Bay area. He served in the US Coast Guard for six years. While stationed in Portand, ME, he spent time aboard the CGC Barataria as well as traveled to the South Pole. In his last two years in the USCG, he became a diesel engineer aboard a commercial fishing boat, traveling from the home port of Reedville, VA, to ports north to Maine and south to Texas. During this time, he served as an undercover drug enforcement officer. Frank had a successful 31-year career with Shoppers Food Warehouse (formerly Jumbo Food Stores) in the Maryland and Washington, DC, area. He progressed from Apprentice Meat Cutter, to Vice President and Buyer of the company’s meat and seafood markets. More recently, he owned and operated Eastern Bay Marketing. Over the years, Frank was a member of both Berwyn Baptist Church in College Park, MD, and Riverdale Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD. Fondly known as “Pops,” his great love was his family time. Cooking out, going to Chincoteague Island, boating, crabbing, or attending sports events were some favorite pastimes. Hunting, fishing and crabbing with his son, Kevin, and many friends was his passion. In his downtime, Frank was an avid reader. Frank’s home was always open, and he entertained frequently. He touched all who knew him with his great advice, humorous stories, and generosity. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home in Chester, MD, on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 3 p.m., where family and friends may visit from 1-3 p.m. Contributions may be made in his name to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Ste.1025, Washington, DC 20006, or Romancoke on the Bay Community Association, Frank Saunders Memorial Fund, 229 Allegany Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666.

Franklin Neale Saunders

July 21, 1941 - March 29, 2016