Funeral services for David D. Saunders, 49, of Gillette will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Matthew's Church with the Rev. Cliff Jacobson officiating.

Burial will follow in Mount Pisgah Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gillette Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Saunders died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at his family ranch of a heart condition.

He was born April 27, 1960, in Gillette to Lee and Margret (Rohde) Saunders.

He married Patricia Schlautmann on Aug. 26, 1978. He spent his entire life working on the family ranch, exposing his four children and three grandchildren to the solace of open spaces that he found so comforting in his life.

He enjoyed tinkering in his basement, fishing, playing the guitar, hunting, playing billiards and motorcycling. He took pride in having served as a volunteer of the fire department for 15 years. He was an avid collector of everything and enjoyed going to antique shops wherever he traveled. He was a complicated man who could come across as intimidating but quickly exposed a particular form of charisma that drew people to his warmth and giving spirit.

Mr. Saunders is survived by his wife of Gillette; mother, Margret Saunders of Gillette; son, Nicholas Saunders of Gillette; two daughters: Abigail Mitchell of Phoenix and Elisabeth Cassiday of Sheridan; sister, Nora Balo of Gillette; brother, Michael Saunders of Gillette; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and son, Jacob Saunders.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to benefit the Council of Community Services in Campbell County. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716 or via the Internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.