Harry Wayne Saunders

Harry Wayne Saunders was born on May 6, 1920 in Valley, Nebraska to Harry and Pearl (Blair) Saunders. He grew up in Valley where he attended grade school and graduated from Valley High School in 1938. As a young boy, Harry delivered newspaper and was an exceptional student. He enrolled in the University of Nebraska to study engineering but his studies were interrupted by a call to the United States Army. Harry served his country during World War II from June of 1942 to January of 1944. During his service, Harry was injured in Casablanca and forced to return home. After recovering from his injuries, Harry resumed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanic Engineering. Harry married Doreen Larson Peterson in August of 1952 in Council Bluffs, Iowa and Harry helped her to raise her children in their home in Omaha. Harry worked at the Valley Post Office and the Boys Town Post Office before going to work for the Corp of Engineers where he would work until his retirement in 1977. After his retirement, Harry drove a school bus for Millard Schools. Doreen passed away in January of 1979 and Harry remained in Omaha. Harry married Elizabeth Reed on February 20, 1981 in Millard, Nebraska and shortly after they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Harry loved Nebraska football and traveling and soon found that retirement was too slow for his liking and they sold their home and purchased an RV. For the next 15 years, Harry and Liz traveled the country. When Harry’s health began to fail, they gave up the road and moved to Elkhorn and when his childhood home became available, they moved to Valley. Harry loved his step children as if they were his own and he enjoyed a strong and loving bond with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Harry passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at his home in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 15 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Pearl, wife Doreen, step son Brian Peterson, granddaughter Cheryl McGill, sister Annabelle Pedde and brother Bob. Harry is survived by his wife Elizabeth; step children Rudy and Dorothy Peterson of Fremont, Nebraska, Terry Reed of Hawaii, Jeff Reed of Fremont, Nebraska and Marcia and Jeff Spilker of Waterloo, Nebraska; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and on great great grandson; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Richard Atkinson of Valley, Nebraska; nieces and nephews.

Harry Wayne Saunders

May 6, 1920 - April 21, 2007