Robert "Bob" D. Saunders' Obituary
SAUNDERS, Robert “Bob” D. age 80, of Middletown formerly of South Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Monday March 3, 2025, at Miami Valley Hospital.
Bob proudly worked over 50 years in the heating and air conditioning business, eventually establishing JBS Inc.
With a love for teaching and connecting with young people, Bob coached a girl's softball team, the South Lebanon Bobcats. While coaching, Bob also taught the team respect, sportsmanship, and to be fiercely competitive. Many young people's lives were touched by Bob’s dedication through coaching and endless hours spent with the young people practicing and on the field.
Bob taught HVAC at the Warren County Career Center for eight years. Many of his students worked with him at JBS as apprentices.
With his deep faith in God, Bob loved attending Lighthouse Harbor Free Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lebanon with his wife, Vades. His church life involved teaching Sunday School and playing guitar and singing gospel music, as well as visiting other local churches frequently.
Bob went on several big trips over the years, with trips to Ireland and Hawaii being some of the more recent highlights. In earlier years, he enjoyed the tradition of visiting family who owned property in Montana. He also enjoyed NASCAR and taking his antique truck to car shows. Participating in the Richard Petty Experience at the Kentucky Speedway was a huge highlight in his life. Bob had a tradition of going out to eat after church each week, with Texas Roadhouse and Cracker Barrel being his favorite places to go. Among many things, Bob will be remembered for how much he loved the sound of vinyl records, especially those playing gospel bluegrass. Bob had a great sense of humor who rarely met a stranger. He was loved by his church and everyone he met. Most of all, Bob loved and cherished his family and close friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice C. Saunders; his parents, Earl Glen Saunders and Anna Bell (nee Noble); sons, Steven L. Bach and Steven Lamb; and great-granddaughter, Whitney M. Neal. He is survived by his wife, Vades Saunders; daughters, Delana (David) Taylor, Carol Carey, Cheryl (Tim) Drew, Arlene Lewis (Edgar), and LeVada (Russ) Whitley; son Larry Lamb (Debbie); his brother, Jim Saunders; his sister Joyce Ann Couch; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, March 10, at Lighthouse Harbor Free Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lebanon. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 11, at the church. Pastor Larry Isaacs will be officiating. Burial will be at Deerfield Cemetery in South Lebanon. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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