Congratulations to Ernest (Buck) Saunders

Ernest (Buck) Saunders was born into a farming family in 1930 in Springcreek Township. He and his wife of 56 years, Kate (Vore) Saunders have two children: Larry Saunders and Laura Kline. For 77 years farming and family have been the main force in his life. Buck had both agriculture and livestock on his farm. At one point he was working for Ohio Bell, farming between 500 and 600 acres, and taking care of an Angus herd over 50 head. Buck has been involved with 4-H and the fair for his entire life. His parents encouraged his participation in the 4-H club and instilled the values of a farmer in his heart. Buck followed their example and has lead his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to love the fair, farming, and livestock.

Through the years, all four generations of the Saunders family have shown cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats at the fair. Buck was concerned with the community involvement and helped his community by serving as the Brown Township Inspector and on the Fletcher Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. His sense of loyalty to his community was preceded by a loyalty to his country as he served in the US Army during the Korean War. Giving to his community and the youth is still being expressed continues to be active advising 4-H Livestock Clubs.

Buck was a 20 year Senior Fair Board member during which time; he was chairperson of various committees. Buck is still a member of the Miami County Agricultural Society and volunteers his time working around the fair grounds. He and his wife, Kate, help in the office, build benches, run the golf shuttles during fair week, make repairs on the buildings, and can be counted on to assume any task that needs to be done.

2007 Best Of Show Winners from the Art Hall