DOVER - Owen J. Saunders, age 81, of Dover, passed away on Dec. 16, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, after a long battle with multiple system atrophy and cancer. Born in Milford, on Jan. 19, 1929, son of the late Monroe L. and Ila (Owens) Saunders of Woodside. Owen lived most of his life in the Wilmington area before moving to Westminster Village Retirement Community in 2002. He graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1947 and was a graduate of the University of Delaware. He retired in 1985 after 37 years of service with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). During his telephone career, he worked in various Plant and Engineering positions at the Diamond State Telephone Company, Bell Telephone Company of PA and Bell Laboratories. At the time of his retirement, he was a member of the Headquarters Engineering Staff for Bell Atlantic. Owen was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church , Wilmington, for 37 years. After moving to Westminster Village Retirement Community in 2002, he became an affiliate member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Dover. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps reaching the final rank of Staff Sargeant. He received the Purple Heart while serving in the Infantry during the Korean War. He was a life member of Franklin Lodge #12 A.F & A.M, life member of Telephone Pioneers of America, member of VFW and a past member of the Amateur Radio Relay League. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Delaware Hospice (Dover) and the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford for their compassionate care. Owen is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Doris McGinnis Saunders; two daughters, Janice S. Goeller and husband Michael of Kennett Square, Pa., and Deborah L. Corey and husband Stephen of Hanover, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Meredith Gerbron, Michael Goeller Jr., Matthew Goeller, Kathleen Grogg, Bridget Corey, Megan Corey, Molly Corey; and two great-granddaughters, Ava Goeller and Grace Grogg. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111; National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N. W. 9th Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494; and Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. To send condolences please visit: www.mccreryfuneralhome.com.