Robert H. Saunier, DDS

Robert H. Saunier, DDS, 81, of Van Wert, died at 4:15 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2013, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born April 18, 1932, in Louisville (Ohio), the son of the late John E. and Maurine H. (Vernier) Saunier. He married Florence M. (McClain) Saunier, who survives in Van Wert.

Dr. Saunier graduated with a doctorate of dental surgery from Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill., in 1957. He was a dentist in Van Wert from 1959-1997. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert; a member of the Van Wert Chapter of Gideons International, where he was the former membership chairman for the state of Ohio; a former member and past president of Van Wert Jaycees; a former Van Wert Youth Baseball coach; a past recipient of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ray Miller Award and many other organizational awards; a member of many local organizations; and he served in the United States Air Force Dental Corps as a captain.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two children, Hugh M. (Kandy) Saunier of Van Wert and John R. (Lisa) Saunier of Springboro; a sister, Joyce (Glenn) McFarland of Florida; five grandchildren, Phillip, Matthew, Derek, Drew and Evan Saunier; and two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Cian Saunier.

A sister, Ileane Williamson, also preceded him in death.

Private family graveside services will be conducted, with the Rev. Hal Schaefer officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: Gideons International, Van Wert Camp, P.O. Box 183, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Online condolences may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.