Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ralph C. Snyder

May 25, 1920 - March 15, 2000

South Bend Tribune 3/17/2000

Mr. Ralph C. "Smokey" Snyder, 79, of South Bend, Ind., passed away following an illness on Wednesday morning, March 15, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center.

He was born on May 25, 1920, in Chicago, Ill., to William and Julia (Kohler) Snyder. Mr. Snyder was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sandra Whipple; and by two brothers, William and John Snyder.

On Sept. 16, 1943, in Chicago, he married Medrith E. Emmons, who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Pamela (Joseph) Geirnaert of South Bend; and two sons, Ronald (Jackie) Snyder of Indianapolis, Ind., and Douglas (Cynthia) Snyder of South Bend; 12 grandchildren, Dale Whipple, Penny Stanley, Robert, Richard and Robbyn Snyder, Greg and Dana Eldred, Tina and Brian Geirnaert, Shannon, Scott and Ryan Snyder; and by nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Snyder retired from Bendix as a machine operator after 30 years of service. He served proudly in the United States Navy during World War II; belonged to American Legion Post 50; was a 50-year member of Terre Coupe Lodge 204 F & AM, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend; belonged to the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 320; and was past president of the Lydick Lions Club. Mr. Snyder was a longtime member of Lydick United Methodist Church where he was the superintendent of the Sunday School, was youth fellowship director, and was active on various committees in the church.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, March 17, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, where a Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in Lydick United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kevin Buckley officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.