The family of Thomas Saunders has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Tom passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in San Diego, CA, surrounded by family, faith, and love.
He was born on December 4th, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, the second of six children. Growing up with three brothers and two sisters, Tom learned the value of hard work early on. From his grandmother he gained his lifelong devotion to faith, and perhaps his well-known sweet tooth, as she often rewarded his attendance at Mass with a treat. Both became cornerstones of his life: an unshakable work ethic, and a faith that carried him through every season.
At 14, Tom met Cathy, the love of his life. From the start he was certain she was “the one,” and he never wavered in that belief. After high school he joined the Navy, and soon after boot camp he came home on leave to marry his high school sweetheart. That moment began a lifelong journey of partnership, friendship, and family.
His dedication to his family was as much a measure of his character as his dedication to his country and his time served in the US Navy. He often spoke of the pride and honor he felt serving our great country. Tom served 23 years in the U.S. Navy, including two tours in Vietnam, rising to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He served aboard several ships, including the USS Bennington, guided teams across deployments worldwide, and earned the deep respect of those he led. One of his fondest memories came on his final deployment, when his commander honored him by giving him the Con — the chance to command the ship underway. Service to country was never just duty for Tom; it was pride, honor, and privilege. After retiring, he continued to support the Navy as a software engineer, developing training and war-game programs to prepare the next generation of sailors.
Tom and Cathy made a home that was always open to family and friends alike. Stationed in San Diego, they became the anchor point for family migrating west, welcoming relatives to stay until they found their footing. Their home was the center of gatherings, full of laughter, meals, and children. Family dinners always followed Tom’s unspoken rule: the sooner the meal was cleared, the sooner dessert could begin. He took pride in swiftly guiding a crowd of thirty or more people through dinner, knowing the real mission was the cake and pie that came after.
In retirement, his routines reflected the same constants: family, faith, and always a sense of humor. Summers often meant road trips with his niece and nephew, visiting extended relatives across the country. Wherever they traveled, he made sure to attend Mass or pray the rosary on the road, ensuring he kept with his grandmother’s requirements and earning his sweet reward.
Tom Saunders was many things: son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, sailor, and leader. He will be remembered for his love of life, his strong sense of humor, his faith and devotion, his loyalty to country, and above all, his love of family and cake. His life was built on these cornerstones they never shifted, he never wavered, and his memory will remain the same for all of us who remain.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. This Mission is a Flag Line of Honor at Dearborn Memorial Park. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Timetable for Friday October 10th, 20251000 - Meet up Dearborn Memorial Park 14361 Tierra Bonita Rd Poway, CA 92064
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EKywDXiCSyRNCaKu5 1015 - Mission Briefing
1030 - Flag Line of Honor for transfer of hero to his cemetery plot
1045 - Stage for Military Honors
1100 - Flag Line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal PGR Regional Captain(619) 277-5176
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
