Obituary of Staff Sergeant Alexis C. Saunders

Alexis Christopher Saunders was born November 8, 1959 to Evelyn Saunders Raison and the late Roland Draper.  He departed this life on Thursday, September 5, 2019 in Dover, DE.

Alexis, affectionately known as Chris, received his early education from the Appoquinimink School District. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1978 with his high school diploma. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where served for 17 years.  In 1990, Alexis was deployed to Kuwait and served in Operation Desert Storm.  He received a bronze star, which is given to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement or heroic service in a combat zone.  After retiring from the United States Army in 1996, Chris worked in Atlanta, GA before returning to DE and working for Johnson Controls and Walmart.

Chris loved to watch old fashion movies.  Growing up he would watch films featuring Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.  On Saturday evenings, he would often call his mom and say,” Mom, are you watching Svengolie”? “They are playing a good movie tonight”.  He, his mother and brother often would share stories about the horror films they watched on TV the night before. 

Chris was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved watching them during the football season.  He also enjoyed the Marvel comics and his favorite superhero was Spiderman.  Most of all Chris loved Marvin Gaye. He attended one his concerts when he was stationed in Germany. During the winter months, one would often find Chris sporting his favorite blue Marvin Gaye hat. He enjoyed cooking and one would always find lots of treats and candy when visiting his home.  His smile was infectious and his personality was charismatic and charming.  Chris seemed toalways leave an impression on individuals that he met. Chris will be remembered for his no nonsense attitude and helpful spirit. 

Chris was preceeded in death by his father, Roland Draper, his grandmothers Ruth Saunders and Martha Draper.

He is survived by his mother, Evelyn Saunders-Raison, brother, Vernon, sister, Tonya , his aunt Eleanor Gregory, uncle, Donald, nephews, Vernon Jr.(Julia), Markus, Xzavier and Phoenix,nieces, Jaida, Mikaila and Ava and a host of relatives and friends.