Ronald James Thornton Saunders, a professor in the former
health, physical education, recreation and dance (HPERD)
department at Eastern Michigan University from 1963-1997,
died Oct. 6. He was 74.
Saunders received his bachelor's degree in science from
Eastern Michigan University in 1963 and began as a coach
and teacher at Roosevelt Laboratory School that same year.
In 1968, he became a faculty member in EMU's HPERD department
and, beginning in 1969, served 16 years as chairman of
the recreation division. He became a full professor in
1995.
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Saunders |
Saunders received his master's degree in science from
the University of Michigan in 1966 and his doctorate from
Michigan State University in 1986.
During his time at EMU, he developed the Trap and Skeet
Club, an intramural team in 1972. The club placed 10th
nationally in 1979. In trap shooting, there are five stations
with a trap out front that fires clay pigeons directly
in front of shooters. In skeet, there are eight stations
in a semi-circle with two pigeon throwers.
On Oct. 24, 1988, Saunders was inducted into the EMU Hall
of Fame. Saunders was granted faculty emeritus status shortly
after his retirement in 1997.
Saunders had played professional baseball for the Washington
Senators and played on various other local softball and
hockey teams.
Survivors include his wife, Esther; two sons William Saunders,
of Big Rapids, and Mark Saunders of Atlanta, Ga.; a stepson,
Larry Benton, of Byron Center; a stepdaughter, Dena Newville,
of Wayland; a brother, Loren Saunders; a sister, Peggy
Miller; a dozen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service took place Nov. 3 at Green Lake Calvary
Church in Caledonia, Mich.
