Thomas Francis Saunders, 79 of Bremerton, Washington, was called home to heaven on July 17, 2026. During his final days he was surrounded and comforted by his loving family and visited by many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Saunders (Puckett) and his parents Jack and Dorathy (Thole) Saunders. He is survived by his daughters Wendy Harris (Brent) and Stacey Saunders, grandfather to Cheilsey Saunders, great-grandfather to Lila; brother to Terry Saunders (Debbie) and Susie Saunders, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was born on July 8, 1947, to Jack and Dorathy (Thole) Saunders at Providence Hospital in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from West High School in 1966 and shortly after joined the Army where he served three years. One of those years was served in Vietnam. He received an Honorable Discharge as well as the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and his Sharpshooter Badge. After Vietnam he was transferred to Fort Meade, Maryland where he completed his military service. He married his first wife, Linda, and shared two beautiful children, Wendy and Stacey. Tom then trained to become a real estate appraiser where he eventually started his own company, Saunders Appraisal, and was highly regarded. As an appraiser he went to work for FEMA where he traveled the country working on disasters. While working on a disaster in Virginia, he met the love of his life, Susan Bryant Puckett. They came home to Bremerton and were married in his brother’s backyard. Tom lost Susan years later to cancer, but she was always with him.

Tom was a longtime member of Kiwanis where he served as Lieutenant Governor and Leader of Kiwanis Key Club for young adults earning several awards.

He loved being around people and live music where he made many friends in the Port Orchard and Bremerton area. His favorite haunts were the 19th Hole and Brother Don’s. He was always giving to family and friends if they needed anything, never expecting anything in return. He was selfless.

There will be a celebration of life for Tom on September 12, 2026, at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church, 403 S. Summit Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98312 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Bring your fun stories with Tom to share with everyone.