Robert “Rocky” Earl Saunders

Robert “Rocky” Saunders was born in Memphis TN on June 19, 1934. He was ordained in 1953 at LaBelle Baptist Church, Memphis TN. While attending Union Bible College in Jackson TN and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he pastored three churches. He was commissioned into the US Army Chaplain Corps in 1961 and retired in 1986 in the grade of Colonel from Fort Sam Houston TX. He is a Master Parachutist having served in three airborne units [101st Airborne Division; 82nd Airborne Divisions; 18th Airborne Corps]. He had four overseas tours [Vietnam, Panama, Korea and Germany] and was re-called from retirement to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/ Storm in 1991.

Following retirement, Rocky was the director of Christian Assistance

June 19, 1934 - June 21, 2023

Ministry (CAM) in San Antonio Texas; Director of England AFB Family Support Center, Louisiana; and, hospice chaplain in both Washington, DC metropolitan area and in San Antonio, Texas. After moving to The Towers retirement community, he served on various committees and on the Board of Directors for four years, two years as President.

Rocky is survived by his “Precious” wife of 44 years, Chaplain, Major General Lorraine K. Potter, US Air Force Retired and three children: LTC Robert E. Saunders,

Jr, US Army Ret. (Lisa) of Washburn TN; Paul D. Saunders (Joyce) of Norfolk NE; and, Martha Saunders Landrum (Wesley) of Louisville TN. He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Lynda Marie Barkley of New Albany MS in April 2009. He is survived

by four grandchildren: Andrew Saunders (Kerrie) of London, England; Joy Saunders Carmichael (Wade) of Norfolk, NE; Thomas Robert Landrum of Louisville TN; and, Jared Barkley (Meghan) of Hernando, MS; and, six great-grandchildren: Griffin Saunders, Spencer Carmichael, Elijah Barkley, Calvin Carmichael, Madeleine Saunders, and Ruby Carmichael. He is survived by his “older” twin brother, Richard Edward Saunders (Ernestine) of Monterey, CA and their family. He is also survived by his brother-inlaw, Robert Potter (Emily) of Richland, WA and, sister-in-law Lou-Ann LaPorte of Warwick, RI and their families.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 20 July 2023 at The Towers at 2:30 pm. Burial with military honors will be Friday, 21 July 2023 at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Rocky may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 311 Probandt Street, San Antonio TX 78204 or San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90W, San Antonio TX 78204.