William Zane Saunders, age 61 of Carthage, Mo, originally of Jackson, Wyoming went home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Saturday morning, October 31, 2015. He was surrounded by his precious wife, family and loved ones as he was welcomed to his eternal home.
Zane was born on August 3, 1954 in Jackson Wy., the son of William Dale and Martha Ann (Graham) Saunders. As a child and as a man, Zane had a quiet, easy going manner with a heart full of kindness and a sense of adventure. His will of steel coupled with a love of the outdoors was exemplified in the joy he found in downhill ski racing, fly fishing, and training 2 year old horses. Zane always had a broad, ready smile for anyone he met, and a handshake that was his bond.
Some of Zane's life mottos were: "It's just a little adventure." "You can always learn something... from anyone." "It ain't worth doin' if you don't do it right." and "I ride for the brand.". These philosophies of life aided him in many workplace transitions as he moved from over 10 years as a wrangler for Marlboro to a highly successful colt training program and finally to a perfectionistic machinist position at Leggett and Platt for the past 8 years. Zane has been a proud member of the American Quarter Horse Association and loved a good horse with a soft eye that could hit a long trot and maintain a willing mind. He currently owns three Quarter Horses and a pony, Peanut, for his two girls who will learn to ride and have adventures like their Dadda.
Zane's open heart and love of learning also percolated into his spiritual life. After giving his life to the Lord at age 47, he continued in his daily walk by faithful prayer for his family and through Bible study. For the past three years he has awakened at 3:00 a.m. to further learn about God's grace to mankind through a Faith Bible Institute course. (This was his final semester.)
On August 26, 2006 Zane married his best friend and sister in Christ, Lynell Joy Gilbert, she survives. They have 2 daughters together, Claire Anne and Camilla Lane Saunders. Zane referred to them all as "his girls", and they were the joy and pride of his home. His favorite time of the day was after work coming home to his girls for more times of adventure and fun: at the swing set, playing tea party, kicking the soccer ball, or just snuggling in his favorite chair - one daughter on each knee.
Additional survivors include his parents whom he called every Sunday morning at 8:00 and one son, William Darrell Saunders of Casper, Wy., who shares Zane's love of horses and welding. Zane has two brothers, Fred Saunders of Grass Range, Mt., and Tony Saunders of Bondurant, Wy., with whom he talked often of cattle shipping and hay prices. His sisters, Sheryl Saunders and Laurie Hanson, both of Pinedale, Wy., always brought a twinkle to his eye calling him "little bro." and "Blaine". Finally, Zane was honored to have two grandsons; Colter Wise and Zane Kohl Saunders.
Zane had an amazing sense of peace and trust in his life. When you left Zane's quiet presence you felt like you had been loved and heard. He wanted his life to help others and to glorify God. IT DID!
We are all so very proud of you Zane and honored to have had you in our lives. We will see you again in Heaven my Son, Brother, Husband, Father and Friend. May God bless you as you have blessed us. Each day we will live and make the moments count, to have adventures and glorify God.
The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory in Joplin. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1:00 on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Crossroads Baptist Church, Carthage, Mo. Pastor Robert Morgan will officiate. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to Crossroads Baptist Church, Carthage Mo, for missions endeavors.
No comments:
Post a Comment