Stephen Andrew Snapp

Stephen Andrew Snapp, 69, from Columbus, Ohio, died on May 21, 2015 from a long, courageous battle with cancer. Snapp was born on August 25, 1945 in Middletown, Ohio to Ray and Patricia Snapp, and was raised in Sidney, Ohio. He attended Howe Military Academy from 1958 to 1963. Later he attended Hillsdale College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp. He served two tours in Vietnam, in 1966 and 1967, where he also earned two Purple Hearts.

Snapp's dedication to The Ohio State University began when he enrolled in 1969, majoring in journalism. He soon became sports editor for The Lantern, in which he had his own, appropriately named, column "Snapshots." In 1973, while in the honor's program, Snapp was hired under Woody Hayes as an assistant associate sports information director with OSU athletics. He continued his career for another modest 38 years, wearing many titles from fourth sports information director in the school's history, to assistant athletic director of communications where he worked closely with Jim Tressel.

Snapp was also responsible for the jersey retirement program, he helped create and launch the Big Ten Network, and was awarded national awards for media guides and writing. He worked more than 30 bowl games, traveled to two men's Final Fours, and promoted several Heisman trophy winners. In 2001, Snapp was awarded an Honorary Varsity "O" for his long list of accomplishments at OSU. Then, in 2007, Snapp published "Diary of an Unforgettable Season," which chronicled the intimate, day-to-day of 2006 undefeated Buckeye football. While his career was a large part of his life (it was recalled that he once walked to work in a blizzard in 1978 so he wouldn't miss a day), his family was paramount. Snapp had six children and taught them all the importance of manners, a firm handshake, and the true meaning of semper fi. Giving up was never an option, and that's something Snapp upheld until the very end. Snapp loved skiing, golfing, music, and literature. He appreciated a shined shoe and a good hamburger. He loved his dogs, especially his 150 pound malamute, Maverick.

Snapp was a true patriot, who fought hard for both his country and his school. In 1970, while OSU's campus was rioting the war, Snapp, dressed in uniform with gas mask in hand, made his way to the oval to protect the American flag. It can never be said that Steve Snapp was anything other than tough, a fighter, a patriot for his country, for The Ohio State University, for his family. Snapp is survived by his wife, Elaine, his children Gregg (Shaun), Julie (Paul) Baird, Jeffrey, Evann (Matt Martin), Ashley and Austin, his brother, Scott, and seven grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Ray and Patricia. Family will receive friends from 3-8 P.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 and from 3-7 P.M. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St. Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd. The Rev. Ronald L. Baird officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 P.M. Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Graceland Cemetery, Sidney, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kobacker House, c/o the OhioHealth Foundation, P.O. Box 600001, Columbus, Ohio 43272-9802. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.