John Saunders

WEST POINT—Dr. John Van Dyke Saunders, 82, died Friday, May 18, 2012 at OCH Regional Hospital in Starkville.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 25 at Oddfellows Cemetery in Starkville with Rev. Ed Saunders officiating.
Burial will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the cemetery.
Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

John Van Dyke Saunders was born February 25, 1930 in Porto Alegre, Brazil to the late Sara Van Dyke Stout and John Rouze Saunders.
Dr. Saunders was Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Mississippi State University for 33 years.  

He was the recipient of five Fulbright Scholarships, a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and a published author as well.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He was an avid bridge player, and was a member of Starkville First United Methodist.  

Dr. John Van Dyke Saunders was married to Julia Vissotto Saunders.

Survivors include three sons, Dr. Thomas Saunders (Susan Allen) of Ann Arbor, Mich., Rev. Ed Saunders (Angelene) of Newton, and Andrew Saunders of Dallas, Texas; and four grandchildren, Grace Saunders, Michael Saunders, Marielle Saunders and Elizabeth Saunders.

He was preceded in death by his wife Julia Vissotto Saunders on May 24, 2009. 

Memorials may be made to Hickory United Methodist, P. O. Box 34, Hickory, MS  39332, Newton United Methodist Church, 600 Decatur Street, Newton, MS 39345. or to the First United Methodist Church, 200 West Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759.

Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com [1]