Daniel M. Saunders, DDS, age 90, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born on December 1, 1935 in Gallipolis, Ohio, to Clyde E. and Daisy (Betz) Saunders.

In the Spring of 1936, Dan and his family relocated to Toledo, Ohio. He attended Oakdale Grade School and was a proud member of the Class of 1953 at Morrison R. Waite High School. He continued his education at the University of Toledo, where in the Spring of 1957, he received his B.B.A. degree, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army through the R.O.T.C. program.

After Basic Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was assigned to the Signal Corps, and served at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He remained an Active member of the Army Reserves until 1971.

Upon his return to the Toledo area in 1960, Dan married Suzanne Lingenfelder of Rossford, Ohio and they were blessed with four children; Mark, Eric, Mindy, and Beth.

In 1963, Dan was accepted into the College of Dentistry at The Ohio State University, and received his Doctorate Degree in 1967. He was awarded a Dental Internship, at the grade of Captain, with the U.S. Army Dental Corp at William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Upon completion of his internship, he was assigned as Chief of Oral Surgery, and later as Chief of Prosthetics at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he served during the Vietnam conflict. In 1971 at conclusion of his tour of duty, he received his Honorable Discharge and was awarded Army Commendation and the National Defense Service medals.

Dr. Saunders returned to the Toledo, Ohio area to practice dentistry. He affiliated with Dr. Leland MacDonald , and later with his nephew, Dr. Frederick Kruse, in East Toledo and Oregon. He was a skilled and compassionate dentist, proudly serving his patients in private practice for over 50 years.

In 1983, Dan and Sue divorced. He married his soulmate, Patricia O'Neil, of Lyons, Ohio in November of 1995 and was delighted and pleased with his relationship with her children, Keely, Gregory, and Colleen.

One of Dan's greatest blessings in life was to have been born with an identical twin brother, Donald H. Saunders. Dan and Don were inseparable in their young years, even dressed alike until college. They were always seeking to help each other and each other's families. They shared identical interests such as fishing, golfing, boating, horse racing, and Ohio State football games.

Among his blessing in life was to have had the opportunity to be involved with many people, organizations, and activities. While a student at the University of Toledo, Dan was chosen as Greek Week King in 1957 and was a member of Blue Key National Men's Honorary, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Alpha Phi Gamma Honorary Journalism Fraternity, Life Member of the Alumni Society, and member of the Steering Committee for the Golden Alumni Society. In his association with The Ohio State University, he was elected President of the College of Dentistry Student Council in 1966-67 and became a Life Member of The President's Club, Legacy Member of the Buckeye Club, and Life Member of the College of Dentistry Alumni. His professional organizations and memberships include; Life Memberships to American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Toledo Dental Society. He served as President of the Toledo Dental Society in 1980-81. He was a Medical Staff Member of St. Charles Hospital from 1973 to 2018 and was on Medical Staff at Toledo Hospital from 1975 to 2018.

Local memberships include; American Legion (Life Member), Riverview Yacht Club (Life Member), and the Toledo Club. Notable honors include; Distinguished Alumni Award East Toledo Neighborhood House 1995, and the Morrison R. Waite High School Distinguished Alumni Award 2012.

Dan was an incredible father, grandfather, son, brother, husband, uncle, cousin, friend, and dentist. He was known for his quick wit, keen sense of humor, and generosity. He established many beautiful and lasting friendships and brought laughter wherever he went. He was always supportive of other's life endeavors, instilled a strong work ethic led by example, and encouraged those around him to pursue their passions and make their dreams come true. Each grandchild held a special place in his heart and he made sure each of them knew they were "Papa's Favorite"! His greatest joy was being together with his family and friends, sharing many adventurous vacations, fun get-togethers, and festive holiday celebrations. He loved Ohio State and harness racing and for several decades, hosted Ohio State football and Little Brown Jug tailgates. These moments will always be treasured by those who attended these events and his love, laughter, loyalty, and traditions will continue with his legacy.

Dan was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Fay and Kathrine; and his brothers Kenneth, Clyde Jr., and Charles "Tom". He is survived by his wife, Patricia Saunders and his children; Mark Saunders MD (Caroline) and their children Chelsea, Benjamin (Julia), Eric, and Elizabeth; Eric Saunders DVM (Melinda) and their children Daniel and Michael; Mindy Dougherty and her children Joseph (Cassidy), Abigail, Kaleigh, and Daniel; Beth Loehfelm (Erik) and their children Alexis (fiancé, Declan), Haley, Kylie, and Riley; Keely Aman (Matt) and their children Jack and Luke; Gregory Carter; and Colleen O'Neil and her children Ellie, Annibel, and Keely. Dan is also survived by his twin brother, Don, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends whom he loved dearly.

Visitation will be at the Eggleston Meinert and Pavley Funeral Home in Oregon, Ohio on Friday, September 11th from 4:00PM-8:00PM and on Saturday, September 12th from 10:00AM-11:00AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00AM. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.