Our Papa, the Hunter of Hearts, In morning light, with coffee in hand, Papa greeted the day, steady and grand. Silent TV hums its gentle tune, While his laughter could light up any room. Through forests deep, where wild paths wind, A hunter’s spirit, gentle and kind. Adventure calls, yet he never forgets, The warmth of love his family begets. God in his heart, faith shining bright, Guiding his way with steady light. Caring and strong, yet tender, too, Every small act spoke love so true. Stories of hunts, of trails and skies, Blend with the sparkle in his loving eyes. A hug, a smile, a word so wise, Our papa’s love—the greatest prize. So, here’s to the man who taught us to see, The magic in mornings, in family, in trees. The best papa, both gentle and brave, A heart full of wonder, a soul that gave.
Let the memory of Butch be with us forever.
Oscar Eugene Saunders "Butch"
Butch Saunders went to be with the Lord on, December 29, 2025. He was born to Lester and Ruby Saunders on December 29, 1945, in Du Quoin, IL and was one of seven children. Butch is survived by his wife Betty Saunders and his three daughters, Cindy Garcia (Henry), Carolyn Conway (Robert), and Brenda Zazueta.
Butch Saunders met the love of his life, Betty Ann Moberly in grade school and they attended Phoenix Union High School together. Butch and Betty were married on September 4, 1965, and moved from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL, where he worked for Paly-School Toy Factory. From 1965 to 1969, they welcomed their three lovely daughters and in 1971, Butch and Betty moved their young family back to Arizona where they have lived in the Tri-Community ever since.
Butch Saunders worked for Magma Copper Company and BHP Copper for 28 1/2 years where he made many lifelong friends. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Grover Dasher (who was a Pentecostal Preacher) Butch took on the role of Youth Pastor at Tri-Community Christin Fellowship, now known as Living Word Chapel in Oracle, AZ.
In 1985, Butch had the joy of becoming, "Papa Butch," and had six grandchildren, Amber Vavak, Kimberly Jacobo, Tiffany Garcia, Nicole Conway, Johnny Jimenez, and Trent Conway. He was very active in their lives. They enjoyed riding horses, and participating in gymkhanas together at the Troy Creel Arena, in San Manuel, AZ where Butch was the Sheriff's Posse President for several years.
Over the years, his six grandchildren blessed him with fourteen great-grandchildren, Isaiah Sanchez, Tyson Vavak, Gabriel Rodriguez, Nichols Vavak, Lexi Rodriguez, Anthoney Vavak, Antares Rodriquez, Adelynn Vavak, Izrael Rodriguez, Stetson MacRae, Jace Jacobo, Gianni Rodriguez, Dante Jimenez, and Judah Jacobo and two great-great-grandchildren, Scarlet Sanchez and Skylar Sanchez.
Butch Saunders's happy place was the great outdoors, where he loved going hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Butch was a fun-loving, Man of God that you could always count on. He was always around to help you tag out your hunt and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Butch will be greatly missed by many, but the memories we have with him, and the stories we tell will ensure his memory lives on.
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