SAUNDERS, Benjamin D.

Hampton Funeral Home, Prescott, Arizona Benjamin Delano Saunders Benjamin D. Saunders, age 76, passed away on December 18, 2009 in the VA Hospice in Prescott, Arizona. He was born on September 17, 1933 in Sutherland, Iowa in a little house by the water tower, to Ira and Edith Saunders. Ben graduated from high school in Harris, Iowa in 1951 and later went on to Iowa Lakes Community College (Emmetsburg, Iowa) and the University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa). Ben served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January, 1953 to January, 1957. He was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota and North Africa. In 1955 Ben married Jan Weaver. They had four children: Mary Ann (Mark) Lockey of Box Elder, SD; Lonnie Ben (Kathy) Saunders of Okoboji, IA; Kimberly Jo (Bryan) Harken of Spencer, IA; and James John (Kari) Saunders of Des Moines, IA. His lifetime was in local government as Mayor of Arnolds Park, Iowa, Chief of Police and City Administrator of Okoboji, Iowa. In 1981 Ben married Kathleen (Kathy) Ross of Spirit Lake, Iowa. To this marriage, many pets came along with it. Ben retired in 1996. He received many awards and recognitions throughout his lifetime. He was an active participant in numerous projects, community organizations, the Arnolds Park, Iowa Methodist Church, Citizens on Patrol with the Prescott Police Department and the First church of the Nazarene in Prescott. He always had time for others and went beyond the call of duty. Ben loved coffee with his family and friends, particularly his soul mate and wife, Kathy. He had a ready smile and was always willing to lend a helping hand; who can forget his sense of humor. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially fishing, gold panning, gardening, reading, kayaking, hiking, bicycling and collecting firearms. Ben lived most of his life in northwest Iowa and a short time in Rohnert Park, California, moving back to Iowa and then on to Prescott, Arizona in April of 1998. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira B. and Edith Saunders; sister, Estella Marjorie Saunders; brother, Sidney K. Saunders; brother, John (Bus) Richard Saunders; brother, Ira (Joe) Kenneth Saunders; sister, Dorothy LaVonie Groh; and nephew, Wayne Saunders. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sister, Mildred Willey; his four children; step-brother Corky Thomas; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a world of other family and friends. A service will be scheduled for the summer of 2010 in the lakes area. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Friends of the Nazarene or the Yavapai Humane Society. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.