John H. Snyder, Sr.

John Harry Snyder, Sr., 81, of Osceola, passed on to his great reward, and into the loving arms of his savior on Monday, January 17, 2022.  He is reunited with the love of his life, Shirley, who passed away less than four months ago, on the day of their 60th wedding anniversary.

John was born on May 19, 1940 in South Bend, where he resided for most of his life. He married Shirley Ann Bucher on September 23, 1961.

John was known wherever he went for his easy-going personality and his love for a laugh.  He was an easy man to dismiss, wearing a dad body and a love for the simplicity of work pants and a t-shirt, but it was amazing to watch a man who made friends everywhere he went. It was pretty common to hear the compliment “I love your dad.” Although he began a career teaching elementary school, he spent most of his working years as a maintenance-man-turned-carpenter.  Everyone who knew him came to appreciate his skill in taking seeds of ideas and transforming them into the beautiful work of a patient hand.

John was all about family. It was not unusual to see him doing his work, driving an old truck with all five kids in tow. He was proud of his children and was made happy by seeing them building their lives.  There are hundreds of pictures of the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids on his digital camera. Not that it was easy. It was a challenge providing on a modest salary. The five children tested his patience in all kinds of death-defying ways, which always seemed to be in good supply. He wasn’t one for mushy sentiment and he ruled with a thundering velvet hand. Still, he was always available as a handyman, a faithful church supporter, a rock-solid source of advice, and just good company. His compassion to forgive and his willingness to put himself last were valuable life lessons.

In addition to Shirley, John was preceded in death at a young age by his father, Rev. Bruce H. Snyder, Sr.; his mother, Hattie Marie (Bloomer) Snyder-Engle; stepfather, James Engle; and his brother, Charles Snyder.

He is survived by his brother, Bruce H. Snyder, Jr. (Ellen) of Toledo, OH; sons, John Snyder, Jr. (Tracey) of Osceola, Scott Snyder (Carole) of Osceola, Kevin Snyder (Paula) of Niles, MI, and Keith Snyder (Julie) of Grand Blanc, MI; his daughter, Lisa (George Bagley) of Oscoela, IN; his grandchildren, Christopher Snyder (Heather), Ashleigh Snyder, Haley Snyder, Kyle Snyder, Travis Snyder, Elijah Snyder, Liliana Snyder, Luke Bagley, Jakob Bagley, Paige Bagley, Nichole Stone, and Cody Stone; unofficial second daughter to the family, Jackie White; and great-grandchildren Levi Snyder, Avery, Snyder, and Tilly Snyder.

Visitation will take place at Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545 on Sunday, January 23, from 2:00-6:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 24, at South Bend First Church of the Nazarene, 51690 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46635, with visitation starting at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

1/20/2022 EJS