Charles Edward Saunders, 92, of Cassville, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Mercy Hospital Cassville in Cassville.

He was born in Stella, on March 3, 1930, the son of Clarence and Cora (Preddy) Saunders. On June 6, 1952, in Long Beach, California he was united in marriage to Wilma Craig, who survives, they had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Additional survivors include: one daughter, Diana Watkins and her husband Jim of Cassville; two brothers, John Saunders and his wife Janie of Washburn, and Dayne Saunders and his wife Gail of Republic; one sister, Norma Hayward of Cassville, and one grandson.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Stan; four brothers, Pete, David, Harold and Doyle and two sisters, Louise and June.

Charles moved to this area in 1946. After graduating high school he joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He attended college at Southern Missouri State University in Springfield, where he attained a bachelor’s degree and later attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was employed by the Cassville R-IV School District as a history teacher for 28 years, from where he retired. He was a member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church.

Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, at Mineral Springs Cemetery in Cassville, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Laith Hayward conducted the services.