Patrick David Saunders, Jr.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Saunders, Jr., Patrick David, 46, beloved son, brother, and friend, died on November 10, 2021, in Riesel, TX. “Packy” was born on December 15, 1974, in Phoenix, AZ. He was the youngest child and only son of Pat and Phoebe Payán Saunders. From an early age, Packy displayed high intelligence, curiosity, and creative talent. He graduated from Alhambra Traditional School and North High School in Phoenix. He was North’s student body president his senior year, and he earned an International Baccalaureate diploma. He was also a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, DC. Packy matriculated at Rice University, where he was a member of Jones College. At Rice, he made many good friends and became a well-known figure on campus. He completed a degree in Latin American Studies in 2000. After graduation, he worked as an art director and an energy analyst. A self-trained painter, Packy ultimately became a fine artist, creating beautiful abstract works in a signature style as well as intricate figurative paintings. In the fall of 2020, he completed “Snowed In,” a painting of Texas pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz. Packy lived in Houston from the fall of 1993 until his death. He traveled widely across Texas and the US, pursuing his interests in art, photography, live music, sports, cars, BBQ and donuts, and the fellowship of many friends.

Packy was preceded in death by his father Patrick David Saunders, Sr. and his grandparents James Warren Saunders, Sr., Jane Belle Tryon Saunders, Antonino Nicolo Maruca, and Adelaida Verdugo Payán. Survivors include his mother Phoebe; sisters Jennifer, Julia, and Jacquelyn; uncle James Saunders, Jr.; and best friend Dr. Billy Ellison. Packy will be buried privately, next to his father, on December 3 at Greenwood Memory Lawn. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 4 at 1 p.m. in the worship center of Bethany Bible Church, 6060 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix. Donations may be made in Packy’s honor to www.100club. org, which benefits the families of first responders.