White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Howard M. “Howdy” Saunders, 87 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  He was born on September 9, 1932, in Fairbank, Iowa, the son of Claude Eugene and Olive Lucille (Schmidt) Saunders.  He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1951.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  When he returned home, he and the former Joy D. Sauer were married on April 24, 1955, in Rowley, Iowa.  Mr. Saunders worked in the maintenance department at the Mental Health Institute in Independence.  He retired in 1999.  Mr. Saunders was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence and the Bechter-Boies V.F. W. Post #2440 in Independence.  He enjoyed playing cards and collecting clocks.  He could often be found tinkering in his garage and, for as long as he was able, he attended local auctions.

Mr. Saunders is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy, 2 sons, Jim (Janet) Saunders of Cape Coral, Florida, and Joe (Angie) Saunders of Cedar Falls, Iowa, 1 daughter, Janet Shannon of Independence, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Lyle Saunders, and 1 sister, Lucille Stickfort.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Pastor Tom Jones officiating.  Friends may call for visitation from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 2^nd, at the funeral home.  Please wear your face mask and practice social distancing.  A Memorial Fund has been established.