Raymond Don Saunders

Raymond Don Saunders, age 93, died in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 28, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born in Gillette on August 16, 1932, to Don B. and Lorene B. (Tynne) Saunders. He graduated from Campbell County High School and from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Civil Engineering. He married Cynthia Collingwood in 1956, and they raised their three children in Gillette.

Raymond served on the Gillette City Council, the City/County Planning Commission and many other local and state boards and commissions. He was appointed to serve on the first and only Wyoming State Air Quality Board. He served on the state Land Use Planning Commission, Economic Development Board, and the Wyoming State Transportation Commission.

For many years, Raymond managed Saunders Lumber Company in Gillette. He developed several neighborhoods in Gillette, including the Saunders Addition, the South Park Subdivision and the Donkey Creek Subdivision.

In 1965, he acquired the First National Bank of Gillette, and in 1978 he purchased the Converse County Bank in Douglas. He continued to be active in the management of the banks until his death.

In the late 1960s, Raymond and Cynthia created Saunders Land & Livestock and operated their ranches south of Gillette and Upton. The livestock business brought him much enjoyment.

Raymond is survived by his three children, Barbara Saunders, Tom Saunders (Anne), and Sam Saunders (Lisa); nine grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are his ranch managers Harry "Deb" Edwards (Susan) and Gary Stephens (Kathy), whom he loved as his extended family. He is also survived by his dedicated and compassionate caregivers, Barbara, Carlos, Tami, Larry, Lexi and Sheryl. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Cynthia, his grandson Garrett, and his great-granddaughter Stella. Raymond’s family expresses profound appreciation to Dr. Eric Sawyers and the staff at the Campbell County Health Dialysis Center for their attentive care.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Gillette Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be Monday, November 3, 2025, beginning at 10:00 am at Family Life Church, 480 WY-50, Gillette, with Pastor Marty Crump officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Gillette College are suggested and appreciated. Condolences and memorials may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com