Joseph Edward Saunders, 74, passed away Monday January 16, 2017. A lifelong resident of Hampton, he retired in 2005 as a Nuclear Pipefitter, after 43 years, from Newport News Shipbuilding. A dedicated Christian, he was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Newport News.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Erika D. Saunders; daughters, Erika, Susan and Christina; sons, David, Mark, Matthew and Thomas; fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-6:30 PM Thursday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton. A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 PM Friday at Resurrection Lutheran Church by Rev. William H. Hollar, Jr. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverside PACE for their help and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes, expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to Resurrection Lutheran Church, 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 757-723-3191, www.rhaydensmith.com.