Robert Frank Saunders, 73, of Jacobsburg, Ohio passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026 at his home. He was born March 14, 1953 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, a son of the late Fred Saunders and Helen A. Groves Saunders Bittenger.

Frank loved the Lord first and foremost. He was a loving, caring husband, to his wife Barbara of 10 years, father, grandfather, great grandfather. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Frank knew no strangers.

Frank retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation as heavy equipment operator. He was a former member of Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department and the Bethesda Park Board. Frank served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step father, Boyd Bittenger; his first wife, Mary Drake Saunders; two sisters, Carolyn Thomas and Frances Strauss; a brother, William “Bill” Saunders.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Jarrett Saunders; children, Mandy (Marion Austin, II), Saunders, Jeremy (Becky) Saunders, an additional son, Scott (Lisa) Saunders, step children, Rick Billiter and Stacy Ackerman, extended family, Angela (Rich) Smoot, Rob (Heidi Garbesi) Bittinger, Traci Tyler, Crystal (Travis) Akers and Josh (Kristin) Bittinger; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a brother, Henry (Fran) Saunders; a sister, Sharon (Wayne) Clark; many nieces and nephews.

Frank especially loved animals. He fed the deer and the squirrels outside his home. He also loved his furry dog friends Kota, Cubby, Mia, Josie and Mattie.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 6-8 pm at Toothman Funeral Home, Jacobsburg where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am with Pastor Jack Palmer officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Morristown, Ohio. Full Military Graveside Honors will be conducted by the Belmont County Veterans Association.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.