Thomas Saunders, age 69, of Watson, Illinois passed away at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Lakeland Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2018 at Watson Cemetery in Watson, Illinois. Reverend John Hollis will be officiating. Memorials may go to Pagel Funeral Homes to offset funeral expenses.

Thomas was born on December 15, 1948 in Manhattan, New York, the son of Ralph and Rose (Ciccolella) Saunders. He enjoyed traveling, visiting historical landmarks, motorcycles, watching movies and documentaries and spending time with his family and friends. He was raised in Bronx, New York and although he was an only child, he made a baseball team.

Thomas is survived by his four sons, Thomas C. Saunders (girlfriend Mikayla Altgilbers) of Effingham, Illinois, Anthony Saunders of New York, Randy Saunders of Texas, Michael Saunders of Effingham, Illinois; two daughters, Rosemarie Saunders- Griffin (husband Shawn) of New York, Tinamarie Newgent of New York and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Rose Saunders.