Donald Everett Snelling

He is preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Samuel William Snelling, and his brother, Rodman Snelling. Don is survived by his best friend, loving wife and favorite bridge partner, Sandy; his three children, Gail Matini (Patrick); David Snelling (Molly); Meredith Hawkins (Donald); and his five grandchildren, Sam, Sydney, Lucas, Emma and Jenna.

He grew up in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and was always active and entrepreneurial with a variety of after-school and summer jobs. He acquired his mother’s passion and interest for travel, acquiring new skills and being independent. He enjoyed sports and hiking the Appalachian Trail with friends and family.

He earned a full scholarship to Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA, graduating in 1958. He attended the University of the South at Sewanee, TN and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Economics and Math. He joined Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, was active in football, and was the Commander of his U.S. Air Force ROTC Unit where he earned a regular commission. After college he was assigned into the SAC in Wichita, KS from 1962-1965.

After the Air Force, Don pursued financial and executive positions with major oil and gas companies both in the U.S. and overseas. As an expatriate, he established residences in Saigon, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney and Belem, Brazil. He satisfied his passion for travel and exposure to other cultures which included travel and/or work in over 100 foreign countries, all U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and many Mexican states. As a corporate “gypsy” it involved dozens of moves. He struggled but had a working knowledge of Japanese and French languages which were useful and needed for key assignments which included coordinating Exxon’s interests in South Vietnam and Cambodia during the war (1969-1972) and other U.S. government missions.

Along the way at night Don acquired an MBA degree from the University of Tulsa, and CPA and CFE licenses. The foreign experiences and these credentials allowed Don and Sandy to establish a well- respected forensic consulting firm using former FBI personnel and others to support major civil and criminal litigation worldwide.

Don and Sandy tried not to miss a good bridge game and became Life Masters at the same time. They also enjoyed numerous trips around the world to exciting destinations, and especially their yearly bicycling trip to Holland for seven years. Don and son David shared many memories of annual off-shore fishing excursions. And daughters Gail and Meredith also shared wonderful individual trip experiences with their Dad to exotic countries.

Those of you who were fortunate enough to know him will miss his generosity, his thoughtfulness, and his story telling ability as a history buff of the family whaling and maritime background.

Don was blessed with a loving family, numerous social friends, and was able to enjoy a rich, full and interesting life, especially for the last 36 years in Kingwood.

Donations may be made to the American Diabetic Association or any of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held later.