Gerald Wayne Saunders

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Saunders passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 16, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born in Searcy on July 26, 1944, to Paul and Odean (Hays) Saunders.

Jerry graduated from Searcy High School in 1963. After working at his parents’ Dixie Cream Donut shop, he left Searcy to attend school, serve in the United States Navy, and start a family, living during those years in Little Rock, San Diego (CA), El Dorado, Osceola (MO), and Ridgecrest (CA).

In 1982, Jerry and his family moved back to Searcy. Before retiring, he worked for many years as an x-ray and nuclear medicine technician, and then as a water quality engineer for the Arkansas Department of Health. He was an active member of Searcy First Assembly of God.

In his younger years Jerry enjoyed bowling, desert CB signal hunting, lapidary work, and helping with all of his kids’ activities, and in his later years enjoyed doing puzzles, reading, doting on all his grandkids, and going on long drives with Karlette so she could shop and he could pick a restaurant. Eating was something Jerry very much enjoyed, and in particular he always wanted to try the hottest salsas and the most exotic dishes, which he would also attempt to get those around him to try.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Karlette; three sons, Sean (Deanna), Kevin (Alyssa), and Scott (Sarah); grandchildren, Hunter, Drake, Zach, Drew, Sierra, and Toby; one brother, James Paul Saunders; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God in Searcy, Arkansas with services following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Sullivan Funeral Care in Kensett, Arkansas. Please sign the online guestbook at www.sullivanfuneralcare.com. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his name to a cancer or kidney disease research organization of your choice.

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