Lewis W. “Louie” Saunier, 78
DALTON – Surrounded by his family, Lewis W. “Louie” Saunier, age 78, passed away on July 16, 2026, from his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at Aultman Compassionate Care Hospice Center.
He was born on January 4, 1948 in Massillon, Ohio to Clarence and Doris I (Henry) Saunier. A 1966 graduate of Tuslaw High School and veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves during the Vietnam Era, he was very proud to say that he was a “Seabee”. A resident of Dalton for 24 years, previously of North Lawrence, Lew had retired from Preferred Air Parts after 6 years of service but had spent most of his life as owner and operator of Modern Home Improvements. He had attended both Trinity United Methodist Church in Orrville and Orrville Christian Church. Lew was a member of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Akron Chapter, and was a 15-year active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County. His passion for helping others was evident as he did missionary construction trips to Nashville, TN, New Orleans, LA, Joplin, MO and Redbird Mission in Kentucky. He also loved woodworking, spending many hours in his shop creating numerous items and building handmade furniture for all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lew also spent time in the maker space program when it was offered at Schantz Organ in Orrville.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Saunier; mother, Doris Arney; stepfather, Lester Arney; brother, Clarence Saunier; and a special uncle, Dale Henry. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dania; children, Douglas (Hope) Saunier of Dalton, Travis (Darcie) Saunier of Jackson Twp., Lori (Patrick) Brent of Newbury; grandchildren, Jennifer Saunier, Samantha (Lukas) Johnson, Adam Saunier, Brian Saunier, Sidney McInnerney (Brandon Kenny), Nathan McInnerney, Casey McInnerney; great granddaughters, Liana Johnson, Kora Johnson, and one great grandson on the way; and many other family and friends.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 12 noon at the Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 29 E. Main St., Dalton, OH, 44618 with Pastor, John Mulpas, officiating. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Dalton Presbyterian Church, fellowship hall, 163 W. Main St., Dalton, OH 44618. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County, 2700 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH, 44691 or to Aultman Compassionate Care Hospice Center, 2821 Woodlawn Ave. N.W., Canton, OH, 44708. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com
(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-828-2536)
