Phillip Saunders

PHILLIP EUGENE SAUNDERS

Cedar Rapids

Phillip Eugene Saunders, 80, of Cedar Rapids, went

to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, from complications of COVID-19.

A private funeral Mass will be held at a later. Burial will be held later at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced. The use of face masks or shields is required.

Phil was born Aug. 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 Dec. 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 Medical Center, 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, Iowa; a son, Jim (Susan) Saunders of Tallahassee, Fla.; four grandchildren, Regan and Olivia Saunders and Ashley and Austin Mann; two sisters, Cheryl Husk of Salem, W.Va., and Rosemary Bacon of Lake City, Fla.; 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.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.