Carlton Saunders

Carlton R. Saunders, age 75, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on January 7, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1950, in Roanoke, Va. to the late William Ray Saunders and Louise Rebecca Overstreet Saunders and preceded in death by his brother William Melton "Mel" Saunders. Carlton is survived by his loving wife and partner in life of 37 years, Valentine "Tina" A. Saunders, sisters-in-law Holly Saunders and Patricia Silvan, nephew Stephen (Paige) Saunders, nieces Jenene (Brian) Ferguson and Emily (Nicholas) Hooie, Bianca Anguiano-Carillo, great nieces and nephews, Piper and Elijah Saunders, Bethany and William Ferguson, and Luke Saunders Hooie, Uriah and Kairo Anguiano-Carillo, and several cousins.

Carlton was a 1968 graduate of Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Va., and a 1970 graduate of Roanoke College in Salem, VA. After 38 years serving Veterans, Carlton retired from the VA Medical Center, Salem, Va., as a Medical Technologist initially and lastly as a Safety Specialist. He was a martial arts enthusiast and was a black belt in Karate. He could be seen around the Roanoke College campus sparring in the quad. Carlton was a voracious reader of several different genres. He received great joy in celebrating the Christmas holiday with the displays he would put up on the house/yard. Carlton loved going to the beach with Tina to relax and enjoy the ocean at the Outer Banks.

A private memorial service will be held for family and special friends. Those wishing to share memories or messages with the Saunders family may do so by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke.