Michael LeRey Saunders was born August 26, 1953, in Barbourville, Kentucky, and departed this life on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin, Kentucky. He lived to be 72 years, 10 months, and 6 days of age.
Mike was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Corbin, Kentucky, where he served as a Deacon. His faith and devotion were evidenced in many ways. He especially enjoyed singing and serving on mission trips to Alaska.
Mike loved spending time with his beloved family, especially his grandbabies. He also found pleasure in gardening, yard work, and UK basketball and football sports. Meanwhile, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Lois Faye Mowell; an infant brother, David Saunders; and a sister, Sharon Graham.
He leaves behind his loving family: his devoted wife of 52 years, Vicky Lynn Saunders; son, David Michael Saunders and wife Tracy; daughter, Angela Lynn Saunders; daughter, Kasey Lee Saunders; six grandchildren: Malachi Saunders, Matthew Harp and wife Cidney, Sarah LeRae Leger, Megan LeRae Leger, Victoria Kate Saunders, and Joshua Leger; brother, Tony Saunders and wife Charlotte; sister, Donna Mills; and sister, Karla Mowell. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, friends, his Church family, and his adored cat, Nola.
Dearly loved, Mike will be sorely missed. Along with every cherished memory, his loved ones will forever remember his parting words to them whenever they left for anywhere: “Watch for deer.”
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel with Kevin Roach officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky. Serving as pallbearers will be Malachi Saunders, Matthew Harp, Josh Leger, George Saunders, Chris Saunders, Isaiah Mills, Jared Knight, and Landen Sizemore; honorary pallbearers will be Tony Saunders, Nick Smith, Scottie Lanham, Larry Jackson, and all the men of Calvary Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 P.M. on Monday at Hart Funeral Home, located at 1011 Master Street in Corbin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church 96 Calvary Church Road Corbin, KY 40701.
The family greatly appreciates and extends praise and recognition to the PCU and CCU staff at Baptist Health Corbin.
4 Comments
Michael Warren
Posted at 16:57h, 05 JulyMike and I served on Love Loud years ago with several others from Calvary Baptist fixing up and helping restore more than 20 homes around the Corbin area. I’ll never forget the devotion and faithfulness Mike showed in helping others; many who couldn’t help thierselves. Like all that knew him I loved Mike, my Christian brother and good friend,he’ll be missed but we will have a great reunion someday on heavens fair shore.
tammy eaton
Posted at 23:28h, 05 Julyim lost for words he was a wonderful man and he his family and church family he cared all kids and my john mike really liked john never felled john always had go see his buddy after church
Larry Jackson
Posted at 06:58h, 06 JulyMike was a dear friend and I will miss his friendship. I will miss our time spent together. I will also miss his being at church activities and on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at church. Mike will be missed by all.
laura jane wilson
Posted at 14:04h, 06 JulyPrayers for each of you all.
Mike was a great person
He always had a joyful smile and caring heart
I will continue keeping his family in prayer.