Harold Snyder

(From Parker Mortuary)

Harold Raymond Snyder or “Pappy” as he liked to be called passed from his earthly home to his heavenly mansion on January 4, 2014. His last moments were spent with his loving family by his side following months of ill health. As his flag draped body was wheeled through the halls of Mt. Vernon Veterans Home, taps were played as a tribute to a fallen hero.

Harold lived most of his life in Joplin, MO. but was born June 15, 1930 at his parent’s home in West Mineral Kansas. His dad, Clarence was a rancher, farmer and worked at P & M Coal Co. and his mom, Rosa Marie was a homemaker who earned money raising chickens and cows and selling the milk and eggs for extra income. Harold had two older brothers, Kenneth Snyder and Donald Snyder who both passed some time ago.

Harold met the love of his life at the age of 19 when he met Mary Lee Sill. They married on March 20, 1950, mere months before he was drafted into the Korean War. He attended Officer Training School where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. In his later years he was finally able to share his war stories and we loved hearing them.

He received the Purple Heart Medal when he was hit in the head by a mortar shell and endured shrapnel millimeters from his heart before embedding itself into his shoulder. He remained active in the local Purple Heart Club until his health worsened.

Harold was also given an award for saving a man’s life trapped in the Conner Hotel as it imploded.

Harold is preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife, Mary, his parents, his brothers and his infant granddaughter, Christian.

Harold is survived by four children Harold Raymond (Rusty) Snyder, Jr. and wife Rene from Joplin, Marcia Coffey and husband Gary from Baxter Springs, KS, Becky Meier and husband Mike from Joplin, and Karen Wartick and husband Duane from rural Jasper, MO. He has 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Our Dad was a man that loved his faith and loved his family. He knew where he was going as he left this world and was peaceful and ready. His love for his kids was known by all who knew him and he was respected for his values and belief that you should always treat others the way you want to be treated and to appreciate the kindness shown by others.

Funeral services will be at 10:00, Jan. 10 at Central City Christian Church, where he was very active as deacon, elder, building committee member as well as helping in the building of the existing church. Johnny Adkins will be the minister officiating. Interment will be at Ozark Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 821 through Parker Mortuary.