Donald Dean Snyder, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on March 23, 2024 after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease, heart disease, and COPD after being exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War.
Don was born on September 1st, 1941 in Davenport, IA. He grew up with six brothers and sisters, David, Mary Lou, Betty, John, Bill, and Wayne. Don graduated from Davenport High, the last graduating class of Davenport High before it was renamed Davenport Central High. After graduation, he went to work for KartridgPak as a machinist where he worked for 43 years until he retired in 2001.
Don married Nancy Stone (Milan, IL) in 1966. Ten months after they were married, Don was drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War where he served for two years. Don and Nancy had three children, James (Jamie), Bethany, and Matthew (Matt). Don was no ordinary father, he was an extraordinary father. He could always be found playing ball with his kids and their neighborhood friends. He coached almost every sport that his kids played and was actively involved in all of their activities. Don instilled the value of having a strong work ethic in his children from a very young age and taught them to work hard for the things they need and want in life. “If you can’t afford to pay cash for it, you don’t need it”.
Don enjoyed many things through the years, softball (beer leagues), bowling, maintaining a bright green lawn, and working with his hands. There wasn’t much that he couldn’t fix. He was an avid fisherman, amateur golfer, and professional smartass. Don was an outstanding cook and will always be remembered by his kids and his grandchildren for his famous cinnamon toast.
Don and Nancy shared a beautiful life together. They were married for almost 58 years and their marriage was a role model of love, compromise, support, commitment, friendship, and teamwork. They were constantly laughing and pranking one another. Throughout their life together, they shared a love of gambling trips, antique auctions, car shows in his Corvette, and playing cards with friends and family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Darvin and Marie Snyder, his brother John Snyder, and sisters, Mary Lou Thorndyke, and Betty Wells.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Snyder, his children Jamie Snyder (Treanna), Bethany Drent (Dean), and Matt Snyder (Connie); nine beautiful grandchildren, Aryana Snook (Warren), Madison Drent (Lance), Payton Drent, Taylor Snyder, Jackson Drent, Cameron Snyder, Morgan Drent, Caiden Snyder, and Carter Snyder; and one great granddaughter, Harper Snook. Don also leaves behind three brothers and their families, a large extended family and numerous friends that he loved so dearly.
Funeral arrangements will be held at Runge Mortuary in Davenport on Saturday, March 30th. Visitation will be held from 11am to 2pm with a service to follow at 2pm.
