Lewis Harley "Lew" Saunders

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LEWIS HARLEY SAUNDERS Lewis Harley Saunders affectionately called Lew or Lewisie was born September 15, 1950, in
Middletown Delaware, son of the late Leon and Edna Saunders.
Lew was educated in the public schools of Middletown, his early years were at Louis L. Redding School
and his high school years were at Middletown High School, where he earned his high school diploma.
After his graduation he became employed at Chrysler Corporation in Newark Delaware; that journey
was interrupted when he was drafted into the United State Army. During his term in the Army he
returned home on leave and married Lorraine Blackston and off to Germany he and his family went.
Upon his return from the armed service he returned to Chrysler; Lew was a part of the Chrysler launch
team that traveled to Detroit Michigan to prepare for a new vehicle; he worked until his retirement in
2001, fulfilling 32 years of service. After his retirement he became employed at the 1401 Parking
Garage, where he was beloved by residents and his fellow workers.
Lew loved to eat out (all the time!), he would call Lorraine on Fridays during his lunch break to tell her
that someone at Chrysler had told him about a restaurant and away they would go, with Devon and
Nee-Nee in tote , sometimes traveling 50 to 60 miles from their home in New Castle. This occurred on a
regular basis, usually every Friday night. Once both children left home Friday night was date night,
looking for a new restaurant to check out. Lew loved to entertain in his home, pulling out the bar-b-que
grill was his favorite. He loved spending times with his nieces and nephews eating crabs, you know who
you are!! On April 12, 1971, he married his childhood sweetheart Lorraine Blackston, God blessed this union with
a son Devon and a daughter DeShawn. On their 20 th Anniversary they renewed their vows at Dale
Memorial United Methodist Church with all their family and friends joining them. Between Devon and
Nee-nee, their family was increased to include 5 granddaughters, they were the apples of his eye. He
once drove through a blizzard to get Brittany who was 2 years old at the time; you might ask why, Just
Because. He always had words of wisdom for each granddaughter. He loved them with everything in
him. Lew's early years and relationship with GOD started at Mt Pisgah UAME Church; in 1978, the Lord
touched his heart and he joined Dale Memorial, where he remained a member until his passing. He was
a member of the former HG Chase Ensemble, a member and director Dale's Men's choir, a member of
the Trustee Board and part of the Nomination Committee. Saunders Day that he chaired was near and
dear to his heart, and December 2018 Saunders Day was the best, so many family members were in
attendance and he was tickled pink. He loved his family and wanted everyone to come to know the
Lord.
Lew loved singing, he was a lifetime member of the MOT Male Choir, where he served as president for
approximately 8 years; he started and chaired the Holy Ghost Nite Club for a number of years as a fundraiser for the Choir; later he joined and became an intricate member the Gospel Travelers and the
Inspirational Gospel Singers YES HE LOVED SINGING. On the first Monday of each month He attended a
service for the men of the Sunday Breakfast Mission. Lew loved sharing the word of God through song.
Lew often took time to interact with the very young boys in the church, always taking time to talk to
them and shake their hand. There were quite a few Hess trucks given away.
Lewis was preceded in death by his parents the late Leon and Edna Saunders, daughter DeShawn
Saunders, sisters, Sarah Claudio, Ethel Williams, Elizabeth Rodgers, Mabel Turner, Suzette Saunders and
; brothers, Thomas, Leon, James, Clarence and Ernest Saunders Lewis leaves to cherish his memories wife of 48 years, Lorraine, son Devon, granddaughters, Zuri and
Raven whom he was raising and granddaughters Brittany, Brandi and Shannon Cortez (Brando), 2 great
grandsons Kayden and Julian, 1 daughter-in-law Krista, 1 sister Emma Harvey, 1 brother William
Saunders (Mae) sister-in-law's, LaTwane of Texas, Donnalee of New Castle, Virginia of Middletown,
brother in law Harry Blackston, Jr. (Mikie) Verdell Blackston, (Lawann) Corey Blackston (Alyana) and
sister in laws Robin Walker (Larry) and Darlene Brustman, adopted son Keith Campbell, special friends
Eugene Turner, Allante Crocker.