Casey Saunders

ST. LOUIS -- Michael "Casey" Saunders, 30, of St. Louis passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Kansas City, Missouri.

Beloved son of Jill Anne Theirl and Thomas Henry Saunders; loving brother of Jennifer Anne Foster, Christine Anne (Larry) Gold and Maureen "Molly" Kathryn Saunders; cherished uncle of Blake and Gabrielle Gold and Sarah and Benjamin Foster; dear grandson of James R. Theirl; loving soul mate of Maria Elena Esswein; dear nephew, cousin, Eagle Scout, Dogfish teammate and friend to many.

Casey lived his life according to the Scout Law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Casey was an accomplished musician who especially loved to play ragtime, playing Scott Joplin pieces in competitions.

He attended Southeast Missouri State University after high school, and during his time there, he started a bicycle team as well as participated in rock climbing. He was a beloved employee at Big Shark Cycling in St. Louis.

As a cyclist, Casey competed in hundreds of criterion races and was well known and respected in the racing community. He was a former state-champion cyclist in Missouri. He loved racing with Dogfish Racing and chose not to go pro despite the belief of many he could have done well.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4 p.m. until a celebration of life service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road in Kirkwood, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.donate.nationalparks.org or funds can be sent in memory of Casey Saunders to: Philmont Scout Ranch, No. 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714.

www.boppchapel.com