Kenneth Eugene Snyder
Kenneth Eugene Snyder, age 73, passed away in his home in the early hours of Sunday, January, 10 surrounded by his family.
Ken was born March 13, 1936 in Van Hook, North Dakota one of ten children born to Harrison Wheeler Snyder and Gladys Viola Whittier Snyder.
Ken served in Korea from 1956 to 1958 in the Army's 7th Cavalry. Upon returning home he was offered a job by his brother-in-law to manage his drive-in restaurant business in Billings. It was there that he met his soul mate, Brownie Schulz. They were married in September, 1960 and remained happily married for the next 50 years.
Ken started at the U.S. Postal Service in May of 1966 through January 2004. During his years at the Post Office he earned the deep respect of his employees with his outstanding work ethic, integrity and leadership.
He was a member of the VFW and over the years he donated blood and was proud of the fact that he had exceeded the ten-gallon mark. Dad's hobbies were fishing, woodworking, coaching baseball, making microbrews and attending all his grandchildren's sporting events. Up until recently Dad enjoyed meeting with his fellow retirees at their weekly Tuesday morning coffee.
Diagnosed in 2001 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma he continued for the next 10 years to be an inspiration to his family, fellow cancer patients, and the staff at the Hematology-Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies. Dad remained positive and convinced he would beat his cancer--he often wore his famous "Cancer Sucks" shirts to all Doctor's appointments and the yearly Cancer Relay event. More than once he was approached by other cancer patients who would thank him for providing them with hope and inspiration in their personal war against the disease. Dad formed an especially close bond with Dr. Martin Lucas and nurse Laurie.
Surviving along with his wife, Brownie are his two children: Dawn and son-in-law Greg Steffanich, granddaughters Katey, Samantha and Molly Steffanich; son Todd and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Snyder and grandsons, Lamar and Kenny Snyder and brothers, Russell (Gin), Charles (Bill) and Don. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Walter, Harriet and Harry (Pat).
In this past week our family has been drawn together in a new way. Throughout those long last days dad continued to do what he had always done for his family... to teach us, lead us and love us.
Funeral services will be 11am Thursday at First United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will be at Mountview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Heifer Project, Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202 or the American Cancer Society, 550 N 31st, Billings, MT 59101.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
I worked off and on with Ken for many years at the post office, and remember him as a kind and caring man and a true friend. My condolences to the family. -Ray Pruett.
Kenny was a wonderful man - always considerate, funny, and as honest as they come! I also enjoyed bowling with him on the USPS team at Sunset. My sincere condolences to all of the Snyder family - Kenny will be missed.
Linda Fox