Lee Snyder

Lee H. Snyder was the kindest, most caring man who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. He served his country, traveled around the United States and made lasting impressions on all who knew him. Whatever Lee did, he did it with zest and joy.

Lee was born on the Snyder family farm in Fulton, Michigan, on September 23, 1927. He was the fourth of ten children born to Forrest and Ruth (Harrison) Snyder. When Lee was making his first coos in this world, Herbert Hoover was elected President of the United States, the first Oxford Dictionary was published after 44 years of hard work and the American people were dry due to the Prohibition. Lee was born about a year before the stock market crashed and grew up during the Great Depression.

Lee went to school in the area and graduated as the valedictorian of his class at Athens High School in 1945. Like many young men of the time, he decided to serve his country during World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During his tour of duty, Lee served as a recording secretary to Admiral Byrd on an expedition to the South Pole. This was just the job for one with an adventurous spirit, which Lee possessed. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Fulton and found work at Post Cereal in Battle Creek. During his 13 years at Post, Lee returned to school at Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management. He soon left his job at Post to put his education to good use in a career that focused on his expertise in warehouse management. This led him to many jobs throughout the United States, but he ultimately settled in California working at Hughes Aircraft. In 1987, Lee retired from this job and moved to Leesburg, Florida, near the winter home of his brother Stewart and wife Maxine. Always active, he quickly became involved in his retirement community and truly enjoyed the companionship of his many friends and neighbors.

For Lee, family was the greatest source of happiness in his life. He and his brothers and sisters remained extremely close throughout their lives. They all made it a point to get together twice a year whereas Lee came home at least once a year. Many happy and cherished memories were made together on trips up north. The family never missed a chance to have fun and on one of their trips, they had a day called “Weird Hat Day”, which fit in with Lee’s eccentric personality.

When not visiting with his family, Lee filled his time with a variety of different hobbies. He played tennis, golfed on several leagues and was a member of many card clubs. He was always looking for a new adventure and did a lot of traveling around. Although these things kept Lee busy, he valued his community and volunteered for several different organizations like the Scottish Highlands, the Sheriff’s Department and the Lake Square Presbyterian Church in Leesburg, though he was a lifetime member of the Fulton Christian Church. Most importantly, Lee was a life member of the MECWARF VFW Post 5319 in Athens, which he served with great pride.

Lee’s happiest moments in life involved the time he spent with his family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered for his kindhearted spirit, his strength of mind and his unconditional love for his family. He will be deeply missed.

Lee H. Snyder of Leesburg, Florida, formerly of Fulton, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 22, 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Ruth Snyder; brothers: Richard and Stewart Snyder; sister, Alice Fry; brother-in-law, Gary Hollenbeck; nephew, Philip Snyder; and grandniece, Kaylee Mendham. Lee’s family includes one brother, Leslie (Rowene) Snyder of Athens; five sisters: Joyce (Sam) Francisco of Naples, FL, Mildred (Gordon) Mitchell of Fulton, MI, Peggy (Dick) Hollenbeck-Portinga of Vicksburg, MI, Diane (Ron) Reece of Three Rivers, MI, and Vera (Charles) Walker of Portage, MI; two sisters-in-law: Iva Snyder of Fulton, MI, and Maxine Snyder of Vicksburg, MI; brother-in-law, Dana Fry of Athens, MI; many nephews and nieces.

To learn more about Lee’s life, friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, December 1, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the ™ - RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. A Life Story Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, at the Fulton Christian Church. Lee will be buried with Military Honors by the MECWARF VFW Post 5319 at North Fulton Cemetery. Please visit Lee’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Fulton Christian Church.