Meldon Roy Saunders, age 35, of Springfield, Missouri, departed this life from injuries received in a two-vehicle accident, on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana. Born on April 25, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mel was the beloved son of Dr. Pearl Saunders and the late Roy Saunders of Wellington, Florida. He graduated from DeSmet High School in Creve Coeur and Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, with a bachelor's degree in finance. Immediately after, he began to work as a financial advisor for Edward Jones and later Wells Fargo, both in St. Louis and Springfield. As a born-again Christian, Mel was a member of James River Assembly of God in Ozark, Missouri, where he devoted his life to the service of others. Besides his professional commitments, Mel was an involved member of the community and several civic organizations: Community Foundation of the Ozarks Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Club, the Sertoma Club, the Springfield & Nixa Chambers of Commerce, MSHSAA basketball official, and professional and social fraternities. He is survived by a precious and energetic 22-month-old son, Tyson; a devoted and beautiful wife, Theresa; a beloved brother, Bari, of Wellington, FL; loving mother, Dr. Saunders of Wellington, FL; affectionate brother-in-law, Farrell Tucker of St. Louis; two wonderful grandmothers, Milicient Saunders of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Ruth McLaren of Jamaica, W.I.; including many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, clients, and professional colleagues. To celebrate Mel's life, visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, August 6, 2011, from 1-6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at James River Assembly of God Church, 6100 North 19th Street, Ozark, Missouri, on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at 3 p.m. Prior to the services there will be a brief visitation from 2-3 p.m. at the church. Graveside service will be held Monday, August 8, 2011, at 1 p.m. at Parkview Cemetery in Farmington, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tyson Saunders Education Trust, Wells Fargo Advisors, Attn: Joe Froehle, 1720 E. Bradford Parkway, Springfield, Missouri, 65804.