Reverend Edward Paul Saunders, “Bro. Ed”, age 63, passed away in an accident at his home in Louisville, Mississippi, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He had been serving as the pastor of Noxapater United Methodist Church since June 2023. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Noxapater United Methodist Church with Reverend Hal Hall officiating. Visitation will be on the day of the service from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Interment will immediately follow the service in Union United Methodist Church Cemetery in DeKalb, Mississippi.
Bro. Ed graduated with a Master of Divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved to Noxapater with his family after pastoring churches in Carrollton, North Carrollton, and Sidon for nine years. Bro. Ed has served in the Mississippi Conference for 30 years. Born on October 16, 1960, to Dr. John Van Dyke Saunders and Julia V. Saunders of Starkville. His father was head of the Sociology Department at Mississippi State University from 1973-1996. His mother has been an outstanding community member in which she received many rewards and honors. He went to First United Methodist Church of Starkville in the “UMYF” United Methodist Youth Fellowship.
Bro. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 22.5 years, Angelene Robbins Saunders; and his daughter, Elizabeth Saunders both of Louisville. He is also survived by two brothers, Thom Saunders and wife, Susan Allen, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Andrew Saunders of Dallas, Texas. Bro. Ed was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials in honor of Bro. Ed may be given to the Winston-Choctaw Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 556, Louisville, MS 39339.