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.
