George Michael Snider

George Michael Snider, 82, passed away peacefully in the early morning on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1943, in Connersville, IN to George “Bud” Snider and Francis “Fran” (Harlow) Snider. He was Tom Snider’s big brother, and Shelly Snider’s and Susan Snider Turner’s dad. He was a man of few words and very expressive eyebrows. If he liked you, he loved you.

George was a lifelong learner with a passion for mechanics, vehicles, aviation, and teaching. He studied Industrial Education at Indiana State University for two years before graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Aeronautical Maintenance Technology. He also attended Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis School of Technology, earning an Industrial Education Vocational Certificate.

He began his career with United Airlines at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. George later shared his knowledge through teaching, spending one year at Ivy Tech Community College in Muncie and two years teaching at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis. For more than 23 years, George worked for Defense Contract Management Agency. During that time, he served as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Allison Engine Company, a division of Rolls-Royce. He retired from Plant 5 in 2006.

Never one to stop working with his hands, George opened Snider’s Small Engine Repair following retirement, continuing his lifelong love of tinkering and fixing things. He was known for his mechanical skill, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. He loved the smell of gas and oil, loved sunshine and loved being with dogs more than being with most people.

The love his daughters had for this man was something else. He could be absolutely infuriating and then incredibly thoughtful. Inevitability he would need help outside during the hottest, coldest, or rainiest day of the year. And you best believe his daughter’s self-worth is not connected to how well they can hold a Mag flash light. Even with his idiosyncrasies, he was always there when his girls needed him. He made sure to keep Doublemint gum in his truck glovebox so the girls could rip it off, he never missed a high school performance, he always helped when they needed some extra cash, and no visit ended without him checking the oil and tire pressure before they left. He was the king of the two-minute phone call — just touching base and connecting for a moment.

Sometimes George made questionable decisions, but somehow things always worked out. Like the time a 3/4-ton truck fell on him and he refused to go to the hospital — only to later discover he had fractured a rib and punctured a lung. He also had his own language. It was SSDD. Aircraft, not planes. Children, not kids. Later, not bye.

In 2021, after some health concerns, George’s daughter Susan “kidnapped” him for Thanksgiving and brought him to Terre Haute. What he believed was a temporary holiday visit quietly turned into a permanent relocation to the Wabash Valley. Though initially reluctant, George did his best to acclimate to his new city, moving into Sycamore Manor, enjoying trips to the local farmers market during the summer, visiting the Terre Haute Children’s Museum while Susan worked and attending outings with his family.

We believe in our hearts that he was deeply proud of his daughters and absolutely delighted by his grandsons, even if he did not always say the words aloud.

George is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Shelly) Snider (Laura Blake) and Susan Snider Turner (Isaac); his grandsons Mason Snider-Blake and Max Turner; his brother Tom Snider; niece Brittany Snider and nephew Ryan Snider; his cousin Lynne Hillegas; friends who have become family including Marilyn Fisher, Billi Jo McNeill, Holly Homburg, and countless friends from work and Indianapolis who remained close despite time and distance. He was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife Linda Snider and several beloved dogs.

While the coming days will be hard, we are celebrating George’s life and the peace that comes with knowing his body is whole again. Watching one of the strongest men ever known slowly wither away was pure torture. Sometimes death is a gift, and today we celebrate that gift and our dad.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 10 a.m. at Sycamore Manor, located at 222 S. 25th St., Terre Haute, IN. Lunch will be served following the service. If you are unable to make the celebration, please step outside and enjoy the sunshine in honor of our dad. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to the Pride of Indy Bands or the Terre Haute Children’s Museum.

George’s family would like to thank the medical team that worked tirelessly on their behalf over the last few years to give him the best quality of life possible. Special thanks to Ann Monken, NP and the entire medical team at Visiting Nurses Association for all of their help. In addition, the team at Harrison’s Crossing and Hospice of the Wabash Valley went above and beyond to provide George dignity and peace in his final days.

As George would say, goodbye sounds so final. So, see you later George. We love you, Dad. Thank you for being the best dad you could be. We will hold tight to your memory and build on your legacy.

Services entrusted to Mattox-Wood Funeral Home, a proud Dignity Memorial Provider