Francis Kenneth Saulnier, 85, also known as “Frank”, “Popsie”, or “Sonja” passed away peacefully the evening of May 28, 2023. He was born July 16, 1937, in Weehawken New Jersey, to Joseph Augustus and Abigail (Cummings) Saulnier. He married Lillie “Jean” Watkins on January 30, 1960, and she preceded him in death on April 5, 2009.
Frank served his country honorably for twenty-five years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. After his military retirement, he worked and retired from Lockheed Martin (General Dynamics) in Ft. Worth, Texas, as a supervisor overseeing the production of F-16 fighter jets. In 1996, Frank and Lillie relocated to Washington, Indiana. He worked and retired from Jasper Rubber in the maintenance department.
Frank was a devoted Washington Hatchet fan, but the Lady Hatchets were his favorite. He was a very proud Dallas Cowboys fan no matter what, win or lose. You would often see him cruising around in his convertible Camaro heading to Benjy’s restaurant for breakfast or Chuckles for a Coke. He loved children and always carried gold dollar coins in his pocket to give to them at restaurants, ball games, grocery stores, and the gas station. Family was very important to Frank, and he enjoyed spending time with his thirty-six grandchildren. He was most comfortable being at home sitting in his recliner, watching TV with his two dogs: Willy and Poco and his cat, Kitty, all on his lap. Francis Kenneth Saulnier was a very smart, hard-working, genuinely kind and caring man. He will forever hold a place in our hearts and be deeply missed by many.
Frank was a very accomplished man and throughout his life he traveled all around the world. His most recent and final adventure was the Honor Flight on April 22, 2023, where he visited the Vietnam Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, WWII Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial.
He is survived and mourned by his brother, Augustus (Barbara) Saulnier of Vernon, New Jersey; son-in-law, Paul Smith of Vincennes; grandchildren: Brad (Karen) Clauss; Robbyn VanAlstine; Nikki Clauss Lunsford; Cindy (Keith) Stone; and Jeff Smith.
He leaves fifteen great- grandchildren and sixteen great-great grandchildren with three more on the way.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie “Jean” Saulnier; his children: Diane VanAlstine, Cathy Smith, and Larry Palmertree; grandson, Jeff Palmertree; parents Joseph and Abigail Saulnier; and sister, Mary Rose Saulnier.
Visitation for Francis Kenneth Sauliner will be 4:00-8:00 pm, Thursday June 1, 2023, at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington.
Funeral services for Francis Kenneth Sauliner will be 1:00 pm, Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington. Chaplain Michael Fields, MA, will officiate. Interment will follow in the St. John Cemetery in Washington. The Washington American Legion will accord military honors at the gravesite.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with Frank Saulnier’s arrangements.
