Phillip Saunders

Born in Hopkinton, IA
Born on Aug 23, 1940
Departed on Dec 7, 2020

Memorial

Phillip Eugene Saunders, 80, of Cedar Rapids went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 7, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.  A private funeral mass was held at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Burial was held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  

Phil was born on August 23, 1940 in Hopkinton, Iowa the son of Clifford and Darlene (Moler) Saunders.  Phil graduated from Hopkinton High School. He attended Kirkwood Community College and earned a degree in Fire Science.  Phil served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960.  Phil was united in marriage to Roberta Carrothers on December 23, 1961 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He was an active member of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department for 31 years.  Phil was a Deacon at St. Matthew Catholic Parish and was a volunteer Chaplain at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. 

Phil loved to meet and talk with people. He was proud of his service to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, starting as a rookie firefighter and working his way up to fire marshal. He also loved his work as a deacon, whether it be helping with Mass or ministering to patients and families in hospitals.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Roberta Saunders of Cedar Rapids, IA; a son, Jim (Susan) Saunders of Tallahassee, FL; four grandchildren, Regan, and Olivia Saunders; Ashley and Austin Mann; two sisters, Cheryl Husk of Salem, WVA; Rosemary Bacon of Lake City, FL; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas Phillip Saunders in 2018, and a brother; Richard.

A memorial fund has been established in Phil’s honor.