He was born June 21, 1980, in Gallipolis, son of Steve and Darla Saunders and they survive him. He was a 1998 River Valley High School graduate and received an Associates Degree in Plant Maintenance from the University of Rio Grande. Gabe was employed at AEP Gavin Plant in the Maintenance Department. He was a nine-year U.S. Army veteran, where he served in Korea and while in the National Guard he served in Iraq and Kuwait. Gabe was a member of Faith Baptist Church, the Vinton VFW, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Centerville Masonic Lodge No. 371, Gallipolis Shrine Club, Elks No. 107, and Hillbilly Clan No. 7 aka “Chevy Hayes.” He enjoyed football, hunting, being an uncle and spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving him are his parents, Steve and Darla Saunders of Bidwell; two sisters, McKinsey (Jason) McPherson of Thurman and Mariah (Rob) Woodward of Wheelersburg; two nieces, whom he loved dearly, Grace Woodward and Maggie McPherson; his grandparents, Haskell and Ivy Saunders of Bidwell; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his girlfriend, Molly Ruff of Bidwell; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his aunt, Amy Vinson; an uncle, Eddie Nelson; maternal grandmother, Margaret Chambers in 1981; and his maternal grandfather, Captain Harry “Dan” Chambers in 1993.
Services will be 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Hammond and Pastor Jim Lusher officiating. Burial will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gabe’s memory to River Valley High School Athletic Facility, c/o Gallia County Local Schools, attn: Sandra Foster, 230 Shawnee Lane, Gallipolis, OH 45631.
www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.
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