Walter E Snyder, 93, of Defiance, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 14, 2023. Walter was born on May 24, 1929, in Prairie View, Kansas, to Albert and Thelma E. (Smith) Snyder. On October 21, 1950, he married Phyllis Albert and they started a family together. On October 14, 1978, Walter married the love of his life, Mary Bohlmann. Together they were married for 34 years until her death in 2012. On May 27, 2014, he married Ann Rayle, who survives. Walt and Ann enjoyed camping, dancing at the Moose Lodge, listening to bluegrass music, and taking care of their dogs, Lily and Ollie.
Walter worked at Defiance Precision Products as a chief inspector for 42 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of
Defiance VFW Post #3360, AmVets #1991, Moose Lodge #2094, and Defiance Fish and Game. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was very proud of his gun collection and enjoyed hunting. He also loved shooting his black powder guns during Civil War reenactments at Auglaize Village. Walter recently renewed his faith in the Lord with his baptism on October 19, 2020. One accomplishment that he was most proud of was receiving his GED at the age of 60.
Walter is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, William “Butch” (Sue) Snyder of Hicksville, James (Reona) Snyder of Continental, Janet (Steve) Yaros of Defiance, Gregory Snyder of Defiance, and Mel (Kelly) Snyder, of Oakwood. Even though he had 7 children of his own, when his brother was killed in the Vietnam War, he drove to North Carolina to aid his grieving sister-in-law and her three children, Dianne Cummins, Cathy Snyder, and Karen (Eric) Richter. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Cheryl (Carl) Westrick of New Bavaria, Brian Baringer of Holgate, Pat (Ed) Cooper of Holgate, Ruth (Mike) Niese of Napoleon, William (Vickie) Rayle of Continental, Susie (Juan) Cruz of North Creek, and Lisa (Randy) Rosebrook of Leipsic. He also leaves behind 11grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, 16 step-grandchildren, 29 step-great grandchildren, and a sister, Thelma L. Stull of Fremont. He was proceeded in death by his parents, daughters Regina Mansfield and Cheryl Snyder, one grandchild, one great-great-grandchild, his sister, Betty Snyder, and a brother,Duane Snyder.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023, at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 19th, 2023, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Dale Katcher officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Promedica Hospice.
