Darryl Stephen Saunders

DARRYL STEPHEN SAUNDERS was born October 9,1964 in Frankfurt, Germany. He was born out of the marital union of the late John E. Saunders (LTC-R) and the late Mrs. Billye J. Saunders. He was also preceded in death by his elder sister, Roma Saunders-Marshall.

A graduate of North Central High school class of 1982, he also attended Ball State University. Darryl loved being a student and spent five solid years in Muncie Indiana living the college life. He culminated his working career with his tenure at the family-owned business of 35 years, Saunders-Saunders & Associates Inc. insurance agency. Darryl had a group of clients who were so dedicated to him that they would not speak with anyone else but him, preferring to wait for Darryl to return to the office instead of taking their chances with the rest of us!

One word that accurately portrayed Darryl is unique! He had a unique and extraordinary fondness for words. A writer and poet, he would often write a poem for someone as birthday or Christmas gifts. He had a gift for dressing up the accomplishments of his family and friends with his words with some of us only learning of a few of our accomplishments on our special day. He made the day that much better.

He enjoyed gardening and maintained a backyard garden at his home for many years where he spent a great deal of time with his spouse of over six year, Larry Turpin, and their pet yorkies.

More than anything, everyone knew how much Darryl avidly followed the career of Prince. He was a dedicated Prince fan. He was always the first to check out Prince’s new music and insist on everyone else listening to it, always ready to break down the meaning of his most favorite songs.

Darryl went to be at the side of the Lord on January 29, 2025. Those left to cherish his memories: his husband Larry Turpin, brothers Freddy Saunders, Reginald (Michelle) Saunders and Mack Byrd; sister Chyrell Saunders; nephews Michael (Nicole) Saunders, Ransome (Kesha) Marshall, Jonathan (Claudia) Marshall, Antonio Saunders; nieces Arika Saunders, Tia Byrd; great nephews, Michael Saunders Jr., Jonathan Saunders; great nieces Roma Jean-Roxie Marshall, Nyah Amor Marshall and Ariel Rosemarie Saunders-Dorsey; very special friend Alma L. Baltimore and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends