submitted
ELDON —
Donald Earl Snyder, 85, formerly of 423 First St. in Eldon, died at 5:20 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines.
He was born April 23, 1927 in Wapello County to Leslie and Mabel Birkinbine Snyder.
A graduate of Agency High School in 1944, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany. He was proud of his service to his country and was discharged as a T-Sgt.
Don farmed most of his life and enjoyed the time he spent working for Dave Weir on the family farm. He enjoyed playing pool, fishing with his brother, Dale, and hunting Indian artifacts. He loved being outdoors, including gardening. He also enjoyed his time spent taking care of Eldon Cemetery.
He was very proud of his family and their accomplishments without benefit of advanced education or financial help.
Surviving are two daughters, Nina (Bert) Giltner, of Ottumwa, and Lori Chickering, of Eldon; three sons, Mark Snyder, of Eldon, Brad (Lorna) Snyder, of Batavia, and Eric (Tina) Snyder, of Eldon; 11 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; a sister, Louise (Rejman) Jirsa, of Clive; two brothers, Marvin (Carolyn) Snyder, of Fenton, Mich., and Dale Snyder, of Cedar Rapids; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a very special friend, Kay Cook and her family, Scott Cook and Diane Johnson; and his dog, Spunky.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Loren Snyder.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home; with Rev. Dave Albert officiating. Military services will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Shafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Cremation will follow the service.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospitals or the Eldon Railroad Depot.
