William Bill "Bill" Snyder Jr.

Arthur William “Bill” Snyder, Jr. It is with great sadness that the family of Arthur William “Bill” Snyder, Jr., announce the passing of our dear husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at the age of 66.

Bill fought Cerebellar Ataxia for 6 years with great determination and courage, but finally lost the battle when a saddle clot restricted the airflow to both of his lungs.

He began his journey to eternal peace on February 29, 2012. Bill passed peacefully away at home with his family by his side.

Bill was born October 17, 1945 in Coldwater to Arthur and Huberta Snyder. He grew up in Girard with his brother, Gregory and his sister, Jane. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1963. He then attended KCC to study drafting. Before getting his degree, he was drafted by the U. S. Army and served from 1966-1969. On August 7, 1966, he married Sandra Densel.

Bill retired from the Branch County Road Commission after 37 years of service as a grader operator. He truly loved playing in the dirt, whether it was grading a road, plowing the farm fields, grading Butler Motor Speedway, or the track at the Branch County Fairgrounds. He loved the challenge!

He had a true love for racing. Bill enjoyed every aspect of it, from helping Stickney’s fabricate a new frame, to helping his son assemble a sprint car, to watching NASCAR on tv.

As a life long resident of Girard, he served as a trustee on the Girard Township Board. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Family was always a priority for him, as well as attending his grandchildren’s school functions.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Huberta Snyder and his brother, Gregory Snyder.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Snyder; sons; Alvin (Bobbi) Snyder and Dorman (Shelly) Snyder, all of Union City; daughter; Samantha Snyder of Tekonsha, sister; Jane (L.D.) Mynhier of Bronson, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was a greatly admired man that will be missed by many.

Visitation will be Friday, March 2, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Putnam Funeral Home in Coldwater. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

You may leave an online tribute by visiting www.putnamfuneralhome.com

The family was assisted by Putnam Funeral Home 517/278-2311