Dana Keith “Skeeter” Saunders

Dana Keith “Skeeter” Saunders
September 16, 1955 – May 10, 2026

Dana Keith "Skeeter" Saunders passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, just five days shy of his 30th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Eva, who was by his side along with their three children, Mitchell, Madison, and Kyle.

A fiercely loyal and hardworking man, Skeeter lived his life to create a better one for his family – always striving to give them things he never had as a child, while instilling in them that these things are most valuable when they are earned through hard work.

Skeeter began a long and distinguished career with Columbus Winsupply Company, where his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit quickly fueled his desire to own his own location in Newark, Ohio. But as a true testament to the kind of businessman he was, he was asked to return to the Columbus location where he served as President for 41 years. He not only successfully grew Columbus Winsupply but proudly sponsored three local owners and their companies: Winsupply Newark, Winsupply Marysville, and Winsupply Jacksonville.

The respect he earned as a businessman was not surprising to those who knew him throughout his life. A 1974 graduate of Freedom High School in Freedom, Pennsylvania, Skeeter was a highly talented and gifted athlete. During his senior year, he helped lead his football team to a MAC Championship. He also excelled at basketball and track.

But it was his athleticism and dedication on the field that drew the attention of The Ohio State University, where he played as a defensive back from 1974 to 1978 under legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his collegiate football career, he traveled to the Rose Bowl (twice) and to both the Orange and Sugar Bowls, all while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

But a man like Skeeter cannot be defined by his resumé alone. He was an incredibly thoughtful, generous, and loyal husband, father, and friend. While he was larger than life at work, he was a gentle giant at home. He had the most memorable smile; if you saw it, you’d smile, too – it was that contagious.

Skeeter would travel to the ends of the earth to watch his kids play sports; he was so proud of their accomplishments. But creating teachable moments for his children was equally important to him – always nudging them to be a smidge better than the very best they thought they could be.

He cherished vacationing at North Myrtle Beach with his entire family, fly fishing in Missoula, Montana, with friends, family, and customers, and of course, he loved cheering on his beloved Buckeyes.

The son of the late Thomas V. Saunders III and Jean Saunders, Skeeter was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Saunders, and is survived by his forever loving wife, Eva Saunders; his children, Mitchell, Madison, and Kyle Saunders; his brothers, Thomas V. Saunders IV and Steve Saunders (Maggie); and his sister, Elaine White (Allen). He also leaves behind his nephews, Tommy V. Saunders V (Jordan), Zac Saunders (Lauren), Josh Saunders, Nick White (Jarred), and Trent White (Lydia); his nieces, Beyke Kelly (Jeremy), Jodi Saunders, Kasey Zalewski (Zarley), Nicole Timas (Michael), and Amanda DelMonte; along with many adored great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and close friends.

The Saunders family expresses their deepest gratitude to Cotter House in Worthington and Capital City Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and love they provided to Skeeter.

A visitation will be held on May 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Moreland Funeral Home 55 E. Schrock Rd., Westerville, Ohio. A memorial service will begin immediately following the visitation at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, any donations made to The Alzheimer’s Association would be sincerely appreciated.