White River Jct., VT - Wayne Jeffrey Saunders, 64, died early Friday morning, October 30, 2015 at his home after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born February 14, 1951 in Presque Isle, ME the son of Donald and Charlene (Nickerson) Saunders. They lived in Alaska until Wayne was seven when they moved back to Maine . He graduated from Stearns High School in Millinocket , Maine .

He was stationed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, in the U.S. Navy where he met his wife, Cheryl Shaw, The Navy dental technicians married in West Newton, Ohio on January 5, 1974. After obtaining an Associated Degree from Bremerton Community College, the family moved to Cornish, NH, later Lebanon, and finally WRJct. Wayne worked as a dental technician and woodworker in the Upper Valley. A lifelong craftsman, he built model airplanes and hydroplanes, designed jewelry, scrimshawed powder horns, refinished antique furniture, rebuilt the interior of his home. The loves of Wayne's life were serving Jesus Christ, his wife and children, and the local church, where he served at elder/deacon at North Hartland Community Church.

He is survived by his wife and children: Ruth Saunders (retired Air Force) and grandson Nathaniel of White River Junction. Luke (retired Marine Corps), Celia (Curtis) and children of Havelock, N.C. Leah (U.S. Army stationed in Germany) and Robert Craine and children. Elisabeth (Air Force Reserves) and Ahmad Williams of Spanaway, Washington. Jami Saunders in Florida.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 29th, at 10:30 a.m. at the North Hartland Community Church.

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT has been entrusted with arrangements.