Claud "Richard" Saunders

Claud “Richard” Saunders, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home at Lenoir Woods in Columbia, MO on April 3, 2024.  Richard was born in East St Louis, IL, son of Claud and Louise Saunders and brother of Vivian Kleinkopf and Harry Saunders.  He grew up in Belleville, IL. and lived most of his adult life in Rocheport, MO.

After graduating from Drake University, where he earned a BA and Master of Arts in biology, Rich joined the teaching staff at Stephens College, Columbia, MO as an instructor of Botany and Floriculture.  He was renowned for his knowledge of Orchids.  Richard also had a broad interest in the arts and often incorporated his love of biology into his personal paintings. Some of his paintings have been displayed at the State Historical Society of Missouri museum in Columbia, MO. Besides teaching and painting, Richard developed a keen eye in acquiring and selling antiques.  He moved to Rocheport, MO where he owned an antique and home furnishings business for over 40 years before retiring in 2019.  His shop, Richard Saunders Antiques, spanned the first floor of his historic Rocheport home.  There he was able to share his love of flower arranging, collecting of Haviland and Majolica china, pendulum clocks, rugs, and antique finds. Everyone who entered his shop had a warm feeling and left with a smile and many with a new purchase. 

Richard loved living in Rocheport and his friends in its close-knit community. He lived across the street from the Rocheport United Methodist Church, where he taught bible study and opened the doors every Sunday morning. He was active with the Friends of Rocheport Historical Society and cared about the preservation and development of the town.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, Claud and Louise, and sister, Vivian Kleinkopf.  He is survived by his brother, Harry (Penny) Saunders, nephews Mark Kleinkopf, James (Julie) Kleinkopf, and Jeff (Karlen) Kleinkopf, 7 great nephews and 2 great great nephews.  Richard especially appreciated his good friends Susie Getzlaff, Dixie and Conrad Yates, Pat Gaines, and the caring staff of Lenoir Woods Greenwood.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to Friends of Rocheport Historical Society (P. O. Box 122, Rocheport, MO 65279) which owns and is restoring the Miriam Green Building.  This building was also the location of Richard’s first shop in Rocheport.

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