William L. “Bill” Snyder Sr., of Marion and formerly of Belle Center, Ohio, went to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, January 2, 2011, at Heartland of Marion surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
On May 19, 1922, Bill was born in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of the late Raymond and Sarah Etta (Weaver) Snyder.
In 1926, when he was the age of 4, his family moved to Marion, Ohio, for his father to work at the Marion Power Shovel. He then attended school in Marion and graduated from Marion Harding High School in the class of 1940.
Shortly after graduating, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps working at the Marion Power Shovel, which he did until 1942 when he felt called to join his fellow countrymen in World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a gunners mate on Squadron 23 of the P.T. Boats in the Solomon Islands and in the New Guinea area. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Marion and to his former position at the Marion Power Shovel. Soon thereafter, his cousin introduced him to his boss at Kline’s Department Store, Barbara Jean Senff, in April of 1947. After a five month courtship there was no doubt they were meant to be together, and they were married on September 3, 1947, at the Forest Lawn Presbyterian Church. Together they lovingly raised three children and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.
After the Marion Power Shovel, Bill worked for a short period of time for the Erie Railroad and Monsanto Chemical Company, until he could no longer deny an opportunity he had to work at the U.S. Post Office. In 1952, he found his true calling working first as a window superintendant for the U.S. Post Office in Marion, where he eventually became responsible for making sure smaller post offices throughout the surrounding area were sufficiently stocked with stamps. Then in 1976, Bill took the opportunity to serve as postmaster at the U.S. Post Office in Belle Center, Ohio. After 33 years of dedicated service, Bill retired in 1980.
Giving back to his community, Bill was an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, where served for two terms on their board. He also enjoyed working the visitor’s desk at the Marion General Hospital for five years, and was a member of the Marion Senior Center. During his time in Belle Center, he was a member of Kiwanis, Belle Center’s Business Men’s Group,
A man of deep faith, Bill has been an active member of the Berean Baptist Church since 1972, where he served two terms as a deacon and was a leader of the senior group.
A proud veteran, Bill remained extremely patriotic believing everyone should serve and “do your duty” for your country. He was also a life member of the V.F.W. Post 7201 in Marion, and was a member of the American Legion Belle Center Post 0266, where he served a term as Commander.
Sharing a love for traveling, Bill and Barbara enjoyed every minute of their travels to Ireland, Britian, Scotland and eight different countries in Europe. When their children were younger, they enjoyed many “good times camping.”
Taking pride in role as the head of the household, Bill did whatever it took to provide for his family. For many years, he worked a second job painting houses to enable them to be able to travel and live more comfortably.
An avid golfer, for many years Bill and his friends frequented the golf courses throughout Marion. He also enjoyed bowling in his younger years.
Competitive by nature, Bill was known to take most any card game pretty seriously, whether he was playing bridge in Belle Center or just playing cards with friends in Marion. He could also “work up a terrible sweat” over a game of chess.
Ornery by nature, Bill loved to tease and have fun with his family and friends. He was also known to be a bit of a flirt, doing anything to get a rise out of the nurses who cared for him at Heartland.
Having a heart of gold, Bill was a most wonderful father and his children knew he would always be there for them whenever they needed him. For his sons, he spoke to them directly and proudly teaching them to be men. And for his beloved daughter, he always made her “feel special, like she was the center of attention.” Bill’s huge smile and warm caring eyes will forever be missed by his loving family.
Bill will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbara Snyder of Marion; a son, William L. (Petra) Snyder Jr. of Green Camp; a daughter, Janis (Norris) Tangeman of Bellville; four grandchildren: Julie (Chad) Messenger Carroll of Sugarland, Texas, Jodie (Eric) Messenger Borchers of Lancaster, Ohio, Cory Ray and Joey Lee Snyder, both of Marion; four great-grandchildren: Payton Lee Snyder, Amelia Jean Borchers, Charles Benner “Ben” Carroll III, and Jack Marshall Borchers.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved son, Donald Ray Snyder in 1985; and by his sister, Mary Louise Barkley.
The Snyder family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the Berean Baptist Church, 131 Marion-Cardington Rd. East, Marion. Services giving glory to God for the life of Bill will follow at Noon, with Dr. Charles Reed officiating. Family and friends will then be invited to remain at the church for a meal in Bill’s honor. Graveside services with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will then be held at 2:30 p.m. in Claridon Cemetery.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Snyder family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Baptist Church, Gideon’s International, or to a charity of the donor’s choice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home at 360 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio, 43302.
Bill’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the nurses at Heartland of Marion, for their tender care of Bill for the past five years.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Bill’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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