MELVIN “PEE-WEE” WILLIAM SNYDER
Melvin “Pee-Wee” William Snyder, 94, of rural Talmage, Nebraska was born on December 29, 1926 in rural Brock, Nebraska to William Walter and Ella Charlotte (Niedermeyer) Snyder. His family moved to the farmstead outside of Talmage in 1927 and he lived there his entire life. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Talmage. Melvin attended Oak Hill country school near Talmage and graduated from Talmage High School with the class of 1944.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 21, 1952 and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Melvin spent 16 months in Germany and was honorably discharged from the Army on January 8, 1954. He returned home to continue farming.
On April 21, 1956, Melvin was united in marriage to Betty Keogh in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple welcomed their son, Eugene, to their family in 1958. Melvin was a lifelong farmer on the farmstead where he was raised.
He was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Talmage where he served on the church board and was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion Post #246 in Talmage, Nebraska where he was past-commander. Melvin was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, member of the North American Hunting Club, served as a Boy Scout leader for six years. He also was a very active member of the Otoe County Wildlife Club where Melvin served as president and a board member for many years when he was an avid trap shooter for which he had won many trophies. Melvin had a major love
Melvin had a major love and collection of Minneapolis Moline tractors. He was a very avid hunter and loved to teach young people gun safety and hunting. Melvin was treasurer of the Spring Creek Coyote Hunters Club, active committee member of the Lewis and Clark Sportsman’s Club in Auburn.
Melvin passed away at his home in rural Talmage on Thursday, June 10, 2021, having reached the earthly age of 94 years, 5 months and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edgar and Leland Snyder, a sister Loretta Smith, sisterin-law Nora Snyder, brothersin-law Bobby Eaton and Max Smith.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife Betty Snyder of rural Talmage; son Gene Snyder of rural Talmage; grandchildren: Jesse Snyder and wife Michelle of Brock, Neb.; Crystal Snyder of Dunbar, Neb.; William Snyder and wife Barbie of Talmage; Jerimiah Carlson and wife Ashley of Buffalo, Missouri; Nicholas Snyder and wife Amanda of Talmage; Elijah Snyder of Titusville, Fla.; Mariah Snyder and fiancé Doug Oetting of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Preston Snyder of Nebraska City, Neb.; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Rosella Eaton of Nebraska City; sister-in-law Pat Snyder of Pleasant Dale, Neb.; and many other family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Zion United Church of Christ in Talmage, with Pastor Carla Patterson officiating. A luncheon and celebration of Melvin’s life will immediately follow and the public is invited to join the family at the Talmage Community Building. Inurnment will be at the Osage Cemetery in rural Cook, Neb. at a later date with military honors conducted.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street, Auburn, NE 68305; (402) 274-3131