Bill Snodgrass

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Bill Gene Snodgrass, 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. 

Bill was born on October 10, 1945, to Wilbur Dell Snodgrass and Helen Irene “Stricklen” Snodgrass in Harrison, Arkansas. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage. 

He received his masters degree from Texas Tech and became a professor of music at the University of Texas in Arlington. He earned Professor Emeritus status from UTA after 30 years of teaching.

 

He was the founder of the Jazz Studies degree, the Jazz History curriculum and Jazz Alumni Association, and an endowed scholarship was established in his name at UTA as well. His jazz orchestra was invited to perform in China, the Philippines, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil and Mexico. Bill was an avid reader and a lover of history. He loved talking to and catching up with his friends and watercolor painting.

Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Debra Barnes, on May 11, 2006, in Carthage; she survives.

Along with his wife Deb, Bill is survived by one daughter Karla Alumbaugh (Darin); one stepbrother, Wayne Snodgrass; one stepsister, Sue Swatzenbarg; four grandchildren, Kirsten Powell (Jessie), Cheyenne LaFalier (Dalton), Ashleigh Gibson (Cade), Kaden Carter (Elizabeth); and four great-grandchildren, Royce Powell, Caxton LaFalier, Kirksey Hasty, and Kimber Hasty.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Helen Snodgrass; one daughter, Kristi Miles Carter; and one granddaughter Brylee O’Banion.

Per the family’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life in honor of Bill at the Faith Life Worship Center in Carthage at a later date.

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Any contributions may be made to The Bill Snodgrass Endowed Scholarship in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.