Donald J. Snyder, 69

Donald J. Snyder, 69, of Santa Claus, Indiana, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014 at home with the help of Hospice and his family all around him.

He was born December 19, 1944, in Huntingburg, Indiana to the late Jack and Rose (Hildenbrand) Snyder. Don was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He graduated from Dale High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1966. From there he was transferred to the Naval Reserve until 1968. Don retired in 1995 from Alcoa after 29 years. He was a supervisor in the Pack/Ship department.

After having had cancer back in 1976 and beat it – he made a promise to God – that he would help anyone, anyway he could, who was going through the same thing. He talked and visited with many people through the years, consoling them on the disease and just being there with them. To this day – he never broke his promise.

Through the years he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, boating and golf. He was an avid NASCAR fan, he loved watching sports on television, reading and word seek puzzles. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and last but not least – his two little Yorkies: KoKo and Miss Kloie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Mark Alan Snyder.

Don is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jackie Snyder; his daughter, Beth (Jarid) Hirt; his son, Don Alan (Roxanne) Snyder, both of Santa Claus. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Tyler, Mallori, and Trae Hirt and Collin Snyder.
Extended family includes; Austin and Dylan Anderson; Jade (Amy) Hirt and children of Hainesville, Il.
He is also survived by his two sisters, Ruth (Jerry) Schaefer; Janet (Paul) Dauby; and brother, Jim (Diana) Snyder; nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday April 23, from 4-7 p.m. CDT at Fuller Funeral Home in Dale, Ind.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday April 24, at 10 a.m. CDT at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dale with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in memory of Don may be made to Gentiva Hospice in Jasper, St. Joseph Church, or your favorite charity.

Fuller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.