Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service
Dr. Walter G. ("Jerry") Saunders passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024 at the age of 83 at the home of his children, Stacy and Mike Sweeney in North Carolina where he was surrounded by the love and care of his family. A Wyoming native and longtime Sheridanite, Dr. Saunders was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years and high school sweetheart, Jeri Belle (Wilmot), his parents, brother and in-laws. Dr. Saunders is survived by his daughters and their husbands: Brenda & Kent, Wendy & Adam and Stacy & Mike; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his sister, Sue Martin (Doug) and his brother-in-law Bill Mangus. He is also survived by his second wife, Myrna and her family.
Dr. Saunders was born in Laramie and graduated from Upton High School as its Valedictorian in 1959. He later graduated from the University of Wyoming and received his MD from the University of Colorado School of Medicine (1966) and completed a residency at University of New Mexico before and after serving 3 years in the USAF as General Medical Officer and OB/GYN stationed in Anchorage Alaska specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. After his discharge from the Air Force, he and Jeri returned to Wyoming selecting Sheridan as their home where he spent decades delivering countless babies. Upon "retirement" from private practice he taught other providers in Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services Constituent and later served as the Director of Medical Education for the University of Wyoming.
Dr. Saunders served his state and local community with distinction and honor as the Chief of Staff Sheridan Memorial Hospital (1980-1982), President of the Wyoming Medical Society (1984), Member and later President of the UW Board of Trustees, Board of Directors Sheridan YMCA, Member of the Board of Directors at First Federal Savings Bank, Chairman of the Prison Task Force, 1990, and Elder at the First Presbyterian Church. He was named the Wyoming Physician of the Year in 1986, honored with the AH Robbins award from the Wyoming Medical Society, and selected as a UW Distinguished Alumnus in 2007. Dr. Saunders was a humble servant.
Dr. Saunders led a full and active life always embracing the Wyoming outdoors and was an enthusiastic supporter of Sheridan High and Wyoming Cowboy sports. He spent many hours in bleachers home and away cheering for his favorite teams. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Saunders enjoyed all Sheridan and the Big Horn Mountains have to offer from golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing and backcountry backpacking. His hole in one at the Powder Horn was a proud day. Dr. Saunders also enjoyed world travel visiting many European countries, taking a Holy Land pilgrimage and fulfilling his last bucket list trip to Ireland, Scotland and England in 2019 with a special stop at St. Andrews golf course.
Jerry's last four months of life were spent in North Carolina, surrounded by his family, including great grandchildren who lovingly call him "Old Papa." In his words he was "eternally grateful" to spend his last days in the home of his family. While in North Carolina he enjoyed outings to the mountain and state park trails, ball games, picnics, laughing, joking, reading, playing with dogs and connecting with his out of town family via FaceTime. He loved being part of a family again and not being alone. His last outing was to church, where he enjoyed one last communion with his family.
Dr. Saunders' daughters would like to thank all those who visited and cared for him while he lived in Sheridan and in North Carolina.
A private family service will be held after which Dr. Saunders will be interred as he wished in the Columbarium at the First Presbyterian Church.
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