Thomas Saunders

Thomas J. (Buster Sr.) Saunders, 88, of Pleasant Ridge Manor West, passed on suddenly to his heavenly home on Thursday April 11, 2013 at Saint Vincent Health Center.

He was born in Erie, PA on April 11, 1925, the son of the late Minnie Beatrice Gerald and James Dalton.

He was a member of Saint James AME and was last employed at Saint Vincent Health Center.

Thomas enjoyed playing the trombone and playing cards and checkers. He also enjoyed working on cars with his brother George.

He was preceded in death by his brother George G. Saunders, a cousin Amzi Hargrove, a life long companion Virginia R. Moffett. Three daughters Mary A. Starks, Joyce A. Qualls and Barbara J. Henry. Three Grandsons Clarence Qualls, Derrick Moffett and Stewart McGee.

Survivors include five daughters Priscilla Horton, Shirley McGee, Terena (Dorris) O'Neal, and Tammy Saunders, all of Erie, Janet Rowan, of TX, and Vicki Johnson of MD. Four sons, Ronnie Saunders, Thomas M. Saunders and William T. Moffett, all of Erie, and Richard (Mallory) Smitherman, of VA. Thirty one grandchildren, ninety five great grandchildren and thirty eight great great grandchildren and a companion Joanne Gilmore also survive.

He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home 602 West 10th Street on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and are invited to attend the service at St. James AME Church 236 East 11th Street Erie, PA 16503 on Saturday at 1p.m.

Memorials may be made to Terena O'Neal in care of Burton Funeral Home 602 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16502.