John Henry Snyder

He graduated from Chaplain Kapaun High School in Wichita. He earned a B.A. Degree in English and Speech from the University of Kansas in 1970, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and an M.S. Degree in Computer Education from Nova University in 1984.

His passion was teaching. He operated with the motto, "Treat every child as if he/she is your own." He spent 36 years in the classroom, during which he taught at South High School, Fargo, N.D. (English/Debate); Wichita State University, Wichita (English); Hyde Park Junior High School, Las Vegas, (English/Computer Science); Chaparral High School, Las Vegas (Computer Science); Cimarron-Memorial High School, Las Vegas (Computer Science); Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas (Computer Science). His special recognitions include Nevada State Teacher of the Year (1990), Milken National Educator Award (1992), and Dolly Parton Chasing Rainbows Award (2003). He was inducted into the National Teacher's Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. in 2007.

He served as a reservist in the United States Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge in 1969.

He was an active parishioner and lector at St. Viator Catholic Community where he was also active in the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, hand bell choir and rosary making group.

His avocations included programming, didjeridu, website construction, virtual reality, bird photography and song writing. His interests included Tuvan throat singing, studying Arabic, pistol shooting and collecting unusual ties. His memorable sayings include, "I'm darn near perfect (and terribly modest)," "Hard to be humble when you're this good," and "I'm in shape! Round's a shape!"

John was preceded in death by parents, Jeanne Marie (nee King) Snyder, Cathleen Ann (nee Collins) "Kay" Snyder and Melvin Henry Snyder, all of Wichita, Kan.; and father-in-law George Matthew Michael Reilly of Elizabeth, N.J.

He is survived by his loving wife, of 34 years, Patricia Reilly Snyder of Las Vegas; their two beloved children, Matthew Melvin George Snyder (Allison) of Henderson, and Mark John Joseph Snyder (Rebecca) of Batavia, Ill.; and cherished grandchildren, Brooke Reilly Snyder and Katherine Lucy Snyder.

Also surviving are siblings Janet Ellen Snyder (Jeff Greenham) of Morgantown, WV, Mary Snyder Shall (John McCarthy) of Richmond, VA., Ann Snyder Rishell (Michael) of Mesa, AZ., Susan Dolores Snyder (Michael Gebert) of Chicago, IL, and Robert Melvin George Snyder (Gina) of Powder Springs, GA.; mother-in-law Joan Adele Reilly of Elizabeth, NJ; brothers- and sisters-in-law Michael Reilly (Camille) of Milford, NJ, Kathleen Socha (Michael) of Elizabeth, NJ, and Daniel Reilly (Michele) of Tampa, FL; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. 

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 31 at Palm Mortuary with Rosary Service at 6 p.m., both at 7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 1 at St. Viator Catholic Church, 2461 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Burial to follow at Palm Mortuary and Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the many friends and family who provided unwavering support over the past eight years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Teacher's Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. (nthf.org) in honor of a teacher who made a difference in their lives.

Teaching Experience

1994-2007: Grades 9-12, Computer Science, Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada

1991-1994: Grades 9-12, Computer Science, Cimarron-Memorial High School, Las Vegas, Nevada

1985-1991: Grades 9-12, Computer Science, Chaparral High School, Las Vegas, Nevada

1981-1985: Grades 10-12, English/Computer Science, Hyde Park Junior High School, Las Vegas, Nevada

1980-1981: University, English, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

1971-1980: Grades 9-12, English/Debate, South High School, Fargo, North Dakota

Special Teaching Recognitions

2006: Get Excited About Education grant, Citibank

2003: Chasing Rainbows Award, Dolly Parton Foundation

1997, 1994: Christa McAuliffe Fellow

1996: Impact Innovator Clark County School District

1995: Cyber Schoolhouse Grant, Cisco

1995: Technology Teacher of the year, Microsoft/Technology & Learning Magazine

1992: Milken National Educator Award

1991: Tandy Technology Scholar, Radio Shack/Tandy

1991: Southern Nevada Teacher of the Year, 7-Eleven Southland Corporation

1990: Nevada State Teacher of the Year

1990: Teacher of the Year, Burger King Corporation

1989: Award for Innovative Teaching, Business Week Magazine