John met Sharon Saunders and the two were married for a total of 45 years. During this time, they welcomed 3 children into the world, Johnny Cleveland on 2/23/1971, Michelle Kathleen on 10/21/1975 and Cristy Lynn on 11/21/1983. He was an electrician at Wheeling Pittsburg Steel for 40+ years in Mingo Junction, Ohio. John was an avid hunter and fisherman that loved the outdoors. He loved the ocean, his family and his parrot Rainey.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Edith Hilda Shaw; his father, Jacob Cleveland Saunders; and His brother, Jimmy Grey Saunders.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Saunders of Bolivar MO; his children, Johnny Cleveland Saunders (Rachael) of Mtn. Home AR, Michelle Kathleen Saunders of Fayetteville NC and Cristy Lynn Mills (Robert) of Niangua MO; his 7 grandchildren, Brittany & Naia Thompson, Eric Saunders, Michael Saunders, Hailey Saunders, Emily Saunders, & Jenson Mills; his 5 great grandchildren, Vincent, Vance, Armani, Braxton and Grayson.