Lee Lloyd Snyder

Lee was born on December 29, 1927 to Jonathon and Bessie in the small town of Tontogony, Ohio. As the 4th oldest of thirteen kids, he grew up surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a large family on their 160-acre agricultural farm.

Lee learned the value of hard work from a young age, rising before dawn to complete chores before school and continuing the day’s labor until the evening meal. By 12 he was leading horses to plow fields, and at 14 he graduated to operating the family’s big tractor. In high school Lee discovered a talent and love for woodworking. In shop class he created everything from tables, bookshelves, rocking chairs, and more, designing and crafting many pieces still in use today.

After graduating in 1945, Lee planned to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers by enlisting in the military. However, at 17, he needed his father’s permission, which was not granted. He enlisted in the Navy immediately upon turning 18 and spent nearly all of his active duty in the clean-up at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Upon returning home, Lee met Phyllis at a local teen hangout, fell in love, and married in 1949. They raised three children, creating a family filled with love, adventure, and strong values.

Lee’s career reflected his dedication to craftsmanship, leadership, and volunteerism. He worked in construction, carpentry, painting and wallpapering, and eventually becoming a painters’ union business agent, overseeing seven counties in Indiana and two in Michigan. Countless volunteer hours were spent in various church committees and with the Boy Scouts. Family vacations typically revolved around fishing- a lifelong passion of Lee’s. His trusty fishing rod, a constant companion throughout his life, will accompany him in his final rest. Lee and Phyllis began “snow-birding” in Arizona after he retired at age 60. They embraced the beauty of the Southwest, moving to the Phoenix area in 1999 before eventually moving to Prescott in 2018. Lee and Phyllis shared 70 wonderful years of marriage prior to her passing in 2020.

Lee’s life has been a testament to hard work, family devotion, and a spirit of adventure, pouring his heart into everything he did.

Lee is survived by his three children; Roger (Mona) in Niles, MI, Jeff (Debbie) in Prescott, AZ, and Julie (Jim Gentry) in Midlothian, VA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.