Gordon L. Snyder

Gordon Lee was born to Samuel Fernoy (Fern) Snyder and Ada Loretta Smith Snyder on April 7, 1920 near Winchester, Oklahoma, the 6th of their 8 children. He departed this life of 89 years on November 16, 2009 after a 10 year struggle with Alzheimer's.
Gordon attended grade school at High Springs & Horace Mann High School in Alva, Oklahoma. After graduation, he worked in a bakery for his brother-in-law in Clay Center, Kansas. He liked the business from the first and decided it was the profession he wanted to follow. He came to Beloit and worked at the Model Bakery until answering his draft call. He took his basic training at Camp Callon, California. He served 4 years in the Army as Technician 4th Class of the 70th AAA Gun Battalion in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was discharged at Fort Riley and returned to Beloit to work for Floyd Bowline at the Model Bakery. He bought the bakery with a partner in 1947 and became sole owner in 1960. He closed the shop and retired in 1989 after 42 years.
On July 14, 1946, Gordon was united in marriage to LaDonna Parker at the Lutheran Church in Beloit. Their children are Kathleen Sue, born January 25, 1950, and Michael Scott, born December 8, 1953. He was baptized in 1953 at the Christian Church where he was an active, faithful member for over 55 years. He was a member of the Beloit City Council from 1985 to 2001 and the Beloit VFW Post #6242.
Gordon was a kind, gentle man who cherished his family life and loved family and holiday dinners with everyone home. When he was well, they attended the annual Snyder family reunions, took their camper and stayed the 3 or 4 days the gathering lasted, visiting with sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and their families. They traveled often with their camper, a dream of theirs for many years. He enjoyed family times at the lake with his kids, grandkids, and friends.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Eula, Ruby, Nona, and Doris; and brothers Glen and Ted.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife LaDonna of 63 years; daughter Kathy and husband Mark of Woodston, Kansas; son Mike and wife Marge of Cherryvale, Kansas; grandchildren Matthew, Jessica, Amanda, and Christine; great grandchildren Makinley, Mickenzie, and Kenedie; brother Vernon and wife Donnis; many special nieces and nephews, and his constant companion "Pooter Annie", his blind cat.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Beloit First Christian Church. There will be no visitation - the body was cremated. Memorials may be given to the Church or the Alzheimer's Association.