Lloyd Saunders, Jr.

Lloyd Erskine Saunders, Jr., 58, of Burton, died Dec. 9, 2006, at Trinity Medical Center in Brenham. Lloyd was born July 27, 1948, in Cotulla, LaSalle County, Texas, to Lloyd Erskine Sr. and Mattie Belle Franklin Saunders. He was a graduate of Southwest Texas Junior College of Uvalde and Ranch Management School of Kansas. On May 19, 1974, he was married to Barbara Rodenbeck. Lloydie, as he was so dearly called by family and friends, loved the outdoors so much he could be found there from sunup to sundown. When the first cool weather came, Lloyd would be outside building a fire in the pit waiting for the grandchildren to gather around him to roast marshmallows or whatever they wanted him to cook. They had his full attention. Lloyd s interest in youth began with his own love for animals. He helped 4-H and FFA members select and raise their calves for showing. He was a kind and caring man who was always willing to help when called, be it for friends, neighbors, 4-H or FFA members. No matter the time of day or night, he would be there in just a minute. He was also involved in the Washington County Fair calf scramble as a co-chairman for many years as well as the Washington County Steer Committee. Other organizations he was involved with include Chappell Hill Historical Society, Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and Exchange Club. He was also active in fund raising for Trinity Medical Center. Lloyd also had a passion for cooking, especially when there was a chuck wagon involved. He knew just how to season the beef while sharing laughs with good friends. Lloyd lived a full life as witnessed by family and friends. What we will all remember about Lloyd is his devotion to Barbara and his family as well as how he showed all the value of the simple joys of life. That is his legacy to all of us. Survivors include his wife Barbara Saunders of Burton; a daughter, Shawnda Saunders and friend Donny Rybarski of Brenham; two sons, T. Saunders and Stacy Saunders of Brenham and Clint Saunders of Houston; mother-in-law, Ruth Rodenbeck of Brenham; grandchildren, Tucker Weston Saunders, Eli Slade Saunders and Seth Walker Rybarski; a brother, Michael Saunders of Dilley; and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn G. and James Culpepper of Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie Bell and Lloyd Saunders, Sr.; a grandson, Wyatt Walker Saunders; and his father-in-law, Gilbert Rodenbeck. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at St. John s United Church of Christ in Burton with Rev. Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. today at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pallbearers will be Wayne Fuchs, Clyde Fuchs, Gary Weiss, Mike Brau, Dickey Saunders, Marshall Dodd, Doug Pierce, David Stegent, Bubba Hughes, Ben Gonzales, Dr. David Brown and Brad Muske. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy White, Ronnie Kay, Niko Salazar, Ron Hall, Harold Korrell, Don Ervin, Walt Schoenvogel and Dick DeGuerin. Memorials may be given to Trinity Medical Center, Ronald McDonald House or St. John s United Church of Christ in Burton.