Frank Saunders, Jr. Passes Away

WALLACE SAUNDERS AUSTIN BROWN ENOCHS FOUNDING FATHER
Frank Saunders, Jr.

FRANK SAUNDERS, JR., OBITUARY

Frank Saunders, Jr.; a retired, well-respected Johnson County defense attorney, passed away on February 9, 2010, following complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Frank was born to Emma and Frank Saunders, Sr. in Salem, Massachusetts, on December 23, 1931. At the age of 10 his Family was interned in a WWII Japanese Prison Camp near Manila. For nearly three years he made nightly forays bearing whatever “treasures” his Family had to exchange with the Filipinos for whatever food they had. He developed skills at building with bamboo and matting, and bartered with fellow prisoners for whatever he could get in exchange for erecting cookhouses and additional shelters. The Los Banos Internment Camp was liberated by the 11^th Airborne Division on February 23, 1945, and the Family boarded trucks to New Bilibid Prison at Muntinglupa where they stayed for several weeks awaiting evacuation to the States. Within weeks the Saunders Family was sailing home aboard the USS Admiral E. W. Eberle. Frank’s Aunt Dorothy Saunders Bass had settled in Kansas City, and Frank’s Family decided to settle there. His Mother died two months later. Frank, Sr. took a job managing the Saunders (no relation) Manufacturing Company in Atchison, and for a time, Frank, Jr. lived with Dorothy and started eighth grade at Northwest Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He later joined Frank, Sr. in Atchison, KS and graduated from Atchison High School in 1950.

He enrolled at Ottawa University, where he earned a B.A. in 1954, and met his beloved wife of 57 years, Wyona Piersol. Frank was drafted during the Korean War and was stationed at Darmstadt, Germany serving as a radio teletype operator. He returned to the States in 1956, and commenced his legal education and received his law degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

In 1961 he commenced a legal career which spanned nearly 40 years until he retired in 2000. In 1963, Frank started the Wallace and Saunders Law Firm, which over the years evolved into Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs, Chtd. Under his leadership, offices were established in Overland Park, KS, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS and Springfield, MO, employing in excess of 70 attorneys. Frank was a high profile Johnson County attorney with extensive experience in defense of health care providers as well as construction law, professional liability, products liability, and civil litigation and was a member of the Kansas Bar Association; the Missouri Bar Association; The Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association; the Johnson County Bar Association; the American Board of Trial Advocates; the Association of Insurance Attorneys; Past Chairman of the Kansas Bar Association Disciplinary Enforcement Committee; and Past President of the Johnson County Bar Association.

Frank also had a long history of civic involvement and community leadership, having served on the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Board of Directors, being a Former Director of the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Foundation Board and a Former Chairman of the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Board of Professional Affairs; Past President of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce; Past President of United Community Services of Johnson County; Past President of the Kansas City Council on Crime and Delinquency; Former Director of the Johnson County Community College Foundation Board; and Past President of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Kansas City. Subsequent to his retirement from the practice of law he drew on the construction skills he honed as a resourceful child prisoner of war and helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity. Frank and his wife Wyona were long time members of Milburn Golf and Country Club. Frank will be remembered for his warm compassionate spirit.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Wyona, in November of 2009, and he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and John Smithmyer of Atlanta, GA, his son, Scott Saunders of Merriam, KS, and daughter, Stacy Saunders of Shawnee, KS, as well as many relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service for Frank will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 26, at the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Shawnee Mission, KS. Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs, Chtd. is hosting a reception at Milburn Golf & Country Club, 7501 W. 69^th Street, Shawnee Mission, KS in celebration of Frank’s life following the Memorial Service from 4 PM to 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the Family has requested a donation in his memory to Shawnee Mission Medical Center Foundation, 7315 Frontage Road, Suite 221, Shawnee Mission, KS, 66204. Please use the Comments form below to leave a message for the Family.

Frank Saunders, Jr., Founding Father

Frank Saunders, Jr., A Veteran of Korea, Remembers WWII - Part I

Frank Saunders, Jr., A Veteran of Korea, Remembers WWII - Part II

Name

Ben Schmitt

I, like countless others, owe a debt of gratitude to Frank. He was a great employer, attorney and person.

Arthur H. Stoup

I have felt honored to say I tried lawsuits where Frank was the opposing counsel, and he was always a fierce proponent of clients rights, and his conduct was that of a "gentelman" in every sense of the word. He was a lawyer we fellow lawyers should be justly proud to have served with in the practice of the law. Frank has been and will be remembered as a "trial lawyer" of the highest caliber.

Jeanette Rewerts

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Franks family and many, many friends. I started at WSABE wwaaaayyy back when and always remember Frank as a wonderful man who had a contagious love of life. Even though he was "head of the firm" he found time to bring in the individual caring for its employees that made it feel more like a family than a place where you worked. The excitement he exhibited at holidays, whether it be painting pumpkins or running into a Christmas tree around every corner of the office, made for wonderful memories. The joy and love that he and Wyona had for each other is truly exceptional. He was such a remarkable man and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prays are with you. May you rest in peace Frank

Cindy Russell Lero

I extend my deepest sympathies to Franks family and friends and my former friends and co-workers at WSABE. I worked for and with Frank for 9 years as his legal assistant. He was an awesome individual, trustworthy and very fair in the way he treated people. He was willing to give anyone a chance to achieve whatever goal they sought. My fondest memory of Frank was when he gave me the opportunity to conduct the legal research and draft a Motion for Summary Judgment on one of our cases. He didnt change a word, just signed it after reading it. I know it was a simple issue and we couldnt help but win on the motion but it was a big deal at that time to let a paralegal do such work. I am honored to have known him. I remember going to depositions and on the way back he would usually talk about his time as a POW or how him and Larry Austin would hustle pool during law school. He was truly a great man and will be missed by so many.

Rick Merker

On the day of Franks Memorial Service, I can only reflect back on his life and what he did. First and foremost, he was a GREAT person. He was a diligent and honest attorney fighting for his clients rights. During the battle, he was a consummate gentlemen. He was a pillar in the community: friend and mentor to all and just a kind, loving, fun person. I owe my career to him. Franks firm, Wallace and Saunders,will go on but it will never be the same. May the good Lord in heaven bless him the way he has blessed us.

Rich Enochs

When we were a small firm, we used to joke about our beloved partners, but Frank was always are most beloved partner. He as the leader of the firm. We had no firm structure as now, but he was always in charge. He always looked out for the concerns of others. He was unselfish in his wish to make the firm better. He not only wanted us to be great lawyers, but to be involved in civic activities. He was totally involved and wanted us to be also. He lead by great example. I am proud to have had Frank as my partner for many years. He will be greatly missed.

Bryan Merker

Im very thankful for all that Mr. Saunders has done for my family. He is looked at as a mentor and friend in the eyes of my father, Rick Merker. If it wasnt for Frank giving my father the opportunity to work with his firm, I certainly would not have had the fantastic childhood and l life that I have today. I will never forget spending quality time with Frank and Wyona at our wedding reception. A fantastic memory. Frank, you will be missed and thank for helping so many people, benefit from your lifes accomplishments! With Love, Bryan & Monica Merker

Diana Jackson- Myers

Stacy ,Scott and Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of your dad passing. Your mom and dad were always like family at Milburn.All the owrkers actually called them the family back then. Your dad was such a fun person he must have been lost when your mom passed too. He loved your mom so much and it showed in both of them when they were together or waiting on each other. I remember alot of nights with them in the Sunset Lounge with Cletus and down in the grill during the day.They were always ready to go and try something new with the family or friends.They truly had a good time in whatever they were doing and spoke of you guys all the time. I left the "Burn" in 1986 and had been their for almost 6 years. Your dad was president one of those years as were his comrades that he hung out with.He hung alot of Christmas lights in the trees on the course and was always in good cheer for the Holidays. He headed up alot of social tasks at the Club. I think of those days alot and all the wonderful people I met at the club. The time I was there and they were all in their "getter done stage" and they truly all had a good times together. I miss those days especiailly when I drive by the club. So many good memories and good friends have touched my life from those days I think I worked every Milburn party and your annual party for 6 years. I remember the time when Jim and Carol Schwin had a party on New Year that i bartended for. It was on a night that one of the worst snow storms had happened in KC. Your dad drove my truck up this steep hill for me because I was scared to do it and was trying to get to my own party by midnight. I made it. The Big gathering that came every year was 600 or more, the cigars and tumbleweeds Cletus and I had to make those nights, it was all fun. I had been thinking about your dad this week for some reason in the back of my mind and when I read the paper I knew why.I am sorry I missed your moms passing in the paper she was lovely woman. I know they are together now and probably dancing and having a good old time heading to Romanellis. Just know that they are happy and out of any suffering now and will be allright together again watching over you.

Sherrie T. Collins

I regretably did not have the opportunity to meet the great Frank Saunders. I am very humbled by his humanitarian deeds for the less fortunate. I pray for his familys comfort during this time of grief.

Tara Kramer

I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Saunders. After reading all the comments on this page it is very apparent it would have been a privilage. The closest I can say is I am employed at Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs. A firm that shows dignity, friendship, loyalty, compassion and genuineness to its employees. Mr. Saunders thank you for starting such a wonderful firm and passing on your ideals. It is truly an honor to be here. May you rest in peace.

Tony Marino

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Frank a long time and dear friend of our family. My condolence and prayers go out to Stacy, Steph, and Scott during this most difficult time. I will not dwell or let my mind settle on the last couple of years, but rather the prevous 28, when I was 18 just beginning a great freindship with the Saunders Family (at Milburn of course!) The childlike passion and fierce competitor Frank exuded was always a highlight during our many late night putting matches or ANY game Frank could make up that involved a scoring system. Halloweens were always a little more fun around Frank, and the ultimate Holiday to be around Frank, to me, was the 4th of July, never was there more fun and sence legal security, than to have a box of extreme explosives in a public setting.... and be with Frank. He was a great friend to have as a young man growing into adulthood, he was never too shy to let me know if he wasnt fond of the antics of myself and friends, which made me respect him and heed his advice. I would be remiss, if I didnt mention my appreciation to Frank professionally for ...uhhm...ALL the help he provided me during those youthful years, much, of course to the chagrin of my parents. But hey, if youre going to step outside the lines a little, there wa no better friend than Frank to make sure the authorities understood they had made a mistake..case dismissed. Love you Frank. Seriously, I am a better person for knowing Frank, and not only him but Wyona as well, they were the best second set of Parents a young man could ever wish for. May God bless you both.

Jeff and Pattie Piersol

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jerry Bales

I want to extend my sympathies to Franks family and my former colleagues and friends at the firm. He was a superb lawyer, but more importantly, a great man who inspired me and so many others over the years. My first assignment as a new lawyer at the firm was to be his appellate lawyer. I learned legal writing in school, but he taught me something about common sense arguments and persuasion. Many years later, I had the privilege of working with him in firm management and spent many hours in his office solving the issue of the day. He never had a political agenda - his only concern was what was in the best interest of the firm. But I also remember him as someone who never forgot to just have fun. He legacy lives on and he will be missed. Rest in peace.

Terri Culpepper

My thoughts are with Franks children and with the Firm. Frank ran a tight ship, but the well being of the Firm was his top priority. He has been and will be deeply missed.

Vicki Swedlund

A man both powerful yet gentle, Frank Saunders was a rare blend of strength, humor, compassion, wisdom, and a model of good sportsmanship. You could approach Frank Saunders with any concern, large or small.....be it a legal matter, how to grow beautiful flowers, where to buy a great used car. The go to leader of the neighborhood, he mended many fences and relationships with his diplomacy. Steph, Scott and Stacy...well miss your folks so much and thank them for great memories.

Vance Preman

My deepest Sympathies.

Amy Piersol

Please extend Brians and my deepest sympathy to Franks children and co-workers. (Frank was my husbands great uncle.) Frank and Wyona were both extremely kind, benevolent and fun loving people. They will both be greatly missed.

Fred and Cathy Dunmire

We were very saddened to hear of Franks death but are glad he is now at peace. We are in Arizona and are sorry we will not be able to attend his service. Frank and Wyona spent several times here with us and we have many fond memories of those times. They were very good friends. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Diane Cantrell

Frank Saunders will be greatly missed, but what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. The law firm he helped create so many years ago has been like a family to many of its employees. I did not work directly with Mr. Saunders, but whenever he visited the firm, I could count on being greeted by his friendly, smiling face. I was blessed to have known him.

Greg Burger

A beautiful family and a wonderful man, they were a part of my family and helped through crises and healing. So many great memories, never judgemental, always giving. Though their presence will be missed here on earth, they are healed and together again in Gods kingdom.

Adrienne Horner

It truly is the end of an era. He was a remarkable man who led a remarkable life and we were blessed to have known him. Rest in peace Frank.

Tim McCarthy

I am sorry to hear of Franks passing. He was an excellent lawyer. I learned a lot from him in many depostions and trial. He had a great style in the courtroom, especially on cross examination. I have thought of those good lessons many times. He will be missed.

Haley Jester

What an incredible life story! I hope to accomplish even a fraction of what he did in his lifetime. I was only able to meet Frank a few times, but he was always very personable, pleasant and warm. My thoughts are with his families both at home and at Wallace Saunders. What a wonderful legacy!

Margaret Brown

I offer my sincere condolences to Franks children. Your father was such a caring man, and devoted to any cause that he adopted. He had a strong but gentle spirit, and we always knew he was genuinely interested in each of us as employees. Of course, many of my favorite memories are of Santa Frank at our office Christmas parties! We will miss his smiling face, but are blessed to have known him.

Lora Mann

Along with everyone else, I have great memories of Frank - some of my favorites being the conversations we had after his retirement, when we would chat about the works of art he was creating. The joy he found in pursing that passion was contagious. :-) My thoughts and prayers are with Franks family and many friends. He was a wonderful man, and Im blessed to have known him.

Mark W. McKinzie, Managing Partner, Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enochs, Chtd.

To His Family and Friends, Franks passing is a sad time for us here at Wallace and Saunders. It was always Franks firm for so many years and that was ok with most everyone. His benevolent dictatorship style of management was easy to live with and his criteria for making decisions came down to "is this good for the firm?" not, "is it good for me?" Frank was always generous with both his time and talent. Not only did he have a large family here at the firm to tend to, he set a great example by being very involved in other community activities, such as the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and Shawnee Mission Hospital, among others. I owe my start in the legal profession to Mr. Saunders. He interviewed and hired me as a law clerk back in 1979 at the whopping hourly rate of 4 dollars an hour. The pay wasnt much, but the chance to work for this law firm at that time was well worth the sacrifice. Frank was the eternal optimist. I was one of four associates that the firm hired to start in the summer of 1981. We joined a firm of 15. Frank was always more interested in growing a strong firm rather than taking home a big paycheck. Frank was not very interested in individual achievements. His philosophy was that if we were all working hard, we would make plenty of money. Frank was also very helpful in career planning. If he thought something was right for you, he would not simply encourage you, he would push you all the way to the door of opportunity and close the door behind you. For many of us, that was an effective technique. His optimism covered not only, what he was doing and what he wanted to accomplish, but what he thought you could accomplish as well. His loss only highlights the fact that he influenced many others in a positive way over his lifetime and he will be sorely missed. I wish we could have done more for him in his final years as he struggled with Alzheimers.

Trista M. Cline

I had the honor to work for Frank as his Legal Assistant. I have so many memories sitting in his office discussing his life, family and work. What a loving husband and father. I loved your father very much. He was so much more than my "boss" he was a great friend and a trusted advisor. His retirement in 2000 was one of the reasons I moved back to Illinois otherwise I would have worked for him until February 9, 2010. On a lighter note I couldnt ever get him to understand I couldnt read x-rays that well. Smile :) My prayers and thoughts are with you all and my friends at WSABE.

Jay and Ellen Suddreth

Working with Frank Saunders, Jr. and K.B. Wallace in the very early years of the firm brings back wonderful memories for me. Mr. Saunders was always a pleasure to work with and we will all miss him greatly.

Laura Redeker

I started working at WSABE when I was 18 years old, and from Day 1 Frank made me feel welcome and a part of the "family." Oh, the good times Frank ensured that we all had at all our firm gatherings. Frank was always concerned about us as individuals and not just as "employees." Frank was loved by all and will be missed by all came into contact with him. My sincere condolences to the family.

Lawrence D. Greenbaum

I heard that Frank Saunders passed away recently. I wanted to express my condolences to you and your colleagues who worked with and were close to Frank. I will remember him as an outstanding lawyer, businessman and good neighbor.

Lynn R. Johnson

I am very saddened to hear of Frank’s death—as a young lawyer I spent a lot of time with Frank—it seemed that he was on the other side of every case that I had—and I was always honored when Frank was the defense counsel—we shared some good times “on the road” taking depositions in various parts of the country—I always enjoyed Frank’s company personally and professionally—he taught me a lot about how to be a trial attorney—we also tried cases against each other over the years and he was always very well prepared and certainly knew how to try cases—made me look silly most of the time—and he was one of the most honest and honorable attorneys I ever met—his word was always good and I always trusted him like no other attorney—and I really appreciated his sense of humor and his enjoyment of life—I still remember the small but powerful litigation/trial firm put together by the team of K. B. Wallace and Frank Saunders when it was still a small firm in Overland Park—I hope that I will be able to attend his memorial service—if you have time, be sure to let me know when it is scheduled—I am sad that I did not “keep up” with Frank in the past years since his retirement from the firm—or for that matter when we no longer had cases against each other—it is certainly my loss and I regret not seeing him and reliving some of our good times and tough battles!

Kevin L. Bennett

I just learned of the passing of Frank. As you well know, Frank was a huge part of why I came to work at Wallace, Saunders when I completed law school. He was truly a genuine and caring man and I consider it a privilege to have known him and worked with him. Frank always showed me compassion and kindness. I will miss him. Please extend my sincere sympathies to all of my dear friends in the WSABE family.