John A. Saunders

John Anthony Saunders (Dad, Rocko, PawPaw), 84, of Smithville Texas, passed away January 28th , 2025. John was born November 11th , 1940 of mother Lillian Augusta Mitchell Saunders, and father Clarence Taylor Saunders. He attended Smithville High School and college on scholarship as a pitcher at Allen Academy in Bryan and the University of Texas School of Draftsman. Afterward he settled in Smithville, Texas. John was married to Dianna Dawn McClure Saunders, and was the father of Nathan L. Saunders and Scott A. Saunders, Sr., and had a major role in raising his nephew Kamron T. Saunders.

John was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, and siblings C.T., Lynn, and Karen. He is survived by his children, as well as his siblings Gwen, Robert, Mark, and Gary; his Grandchildren Scott Jr., Tamara, Anthony, & Collin, and his Great- Grandchildren Brinley, Ruby, Hazel, Rosaleigh, Penelope and Ily.. and numerous nieces and nephews.

John worked for the Katy and MKT railroads and finally retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. He was the United Transportation Union General Chairman and the first Chairman of the Union Pacific caucus, helping to ensure a bright future for all railroad employees & their families for decades and many more to come. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the W. J. Nixon Masonic Lodge 421 of Smithville, TX. He loved his family, friends, coffee, and baseball, especially the Houston Astros. He enjoyed volunteering at the Born Again Emporium and trying to keep up with his 6 great- granddaughters.

His home was always open and he had a major impact on so many that he considered “extended” Family. To know John was to love him. He was a great man and is deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for March 3, 2025 at 1:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Smithville. This will be followed by an interment ceremony at Oliver Cemetery in Smithville, TX.