SNYDER, Jack D., Sr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 13, 2009 'Celebration of life and love' Jack D. Snyder Sr., 86, died Aug. 4, 2009, He was born in St. Johns, Mich., the first born to Clayton and Agnes (Acre) Snyder. Jack was dearly loved by his family, Rebecca (Tom) Voorhees, Suzanne (Dennis) Clark, Jack D. Snyder Jr. and Melanie J. Snyder. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was a WW II and Korean veteran, serving in the Navy at the Panama Canal Zone, walked the Navy Pier in New York, then in the Navy Reserve, the Coast Guard and finally the U.S. Air Force serving in Alaska. After moving to Arizona in 1955, Jack designed signs for the Highway Department, later known as ADOT. Jack oversaw the first atomic sign in the world at the corner of AZ 80 and 19th Avenue and received a certificate from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission for valuable assistance provided to Nuclear USA for peaceful uses of atomic energy, Geneva, Switzerland, September 1971. Jack would take runs at night to check out the signs, and when the breakaway signs were hit, he would head up north to I-40. He took his job very seriously and also was very much involved in working to encourage his family in their schooling and endeavors. He was involved with his sons' Webelos along with the problems of raising a mentally challenged daughter. "We built a canoe and took the children out on the lake." He continued with his education to pass his engineering degree. This was accomplished in February 1984. The children when in high school were going through difficult times during Nam era. He was always there to help in areas of his expertise, such as advising them with mathematics as he was taking it in college along with working with the daughters as he too was learning the new methods of modern math. A history teacher had a Nazi flag up in Suzanne's room and no American flag, which Jack took to task. Jack was a true believer in love of God and country. He did not like the Pledge of Allegiance being dropped, nor the fact that God was being removed from the country. A veteran of many years of service, but unable to complete his years due to his auto immune disease. The family had multiple trips to the mountains, where the fellows dug for gold and panned. "We went to various area and especially our summer vacations up at Treats' Gordon Canyon Ranch on the Rim." The children were loving their time in nature and grew up loving the fact their dad took so much time to please and educate them in the ways of life through family get-together picnics and even so much as walking through the snow, while the Valley would be basking in sunshine. He left ADOT in December '83 due to his health condition and continued to live in Tempe until 1989. He moved to Overgaard and had lived there for 20 years, feeling the closest to Heaven. After his retirement, he passed his civil engineering degree, a feather in his cap. He was called by various contractors to come back to work but turned down the opportunities due to his health. After his open-heart surgery in 1995, he had to give up his ham radio due to his pacemaker, his call name KF7DJ now a silent key. Both veterans, Jack and his wife belonged to the American Legion. He was active in the APEA and a delegate several times. He also was a member of the Professional Engineering Association, an ADOT retiree and other organizations. "Knowing and loving my Jack all these years and participating in his life, has been a great experience of love and devotion. He has been the love of my life. I have been enriched with his presence. Your love will remain in my soul." Your wife, Marijune (Heminover) Snyder. He is survived by sisters and brother in Michigan, Betty (Estol) Swem, Wendell (June) Snyder, Karen (Tom) Domanski and Lois (Everett) Downing. He also leaves behind multiple nieces and nephews that all loved him dearly. Jack was predeceased by brothers Roland and Gaylord, nephew Dennis Snyder and sisters-in-law Birthe and Frances Snyder. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.