Obituary of Donal Edward Snyder

Don was born January 24, 1933 in Eatonville, Washington. He passed away March 24, 2010 peacefully at his home in Puyallup, Washington. Born to Ira and Helen Snyder, brother to Jim and Esther; he was the youngest of the three. Don loved to go fly fishing with his mother, father, sister and brother and later carried on with members of his own family. He enjoyed spending time on the river and in the woods seeing all the wildlife. He graduated from Eatonville High School in 1951. He was a gifted athlete and lettered in 4 sports. Don was president of FFA (Future farmers of America). He married in 1951, to the love of his life, Joan Marie. They were married for 58 years. He kept her by his side, never leaving her lonely or for want, keeping her safe and from harm. ALWAYS putting her first, sacrificing his needs for hers, in love with her to the end. Don and Joan started their family 1952 -1966 with six children, are all married; Jack (Nancy) Snyder; Mark (Diane) Snyder; Donal (Jody) Snyder; Robert (Katy) Snyder; Laura (Scott) Curry; Andrew (Lisa) Snyder. Fourteen grandchildren in descending age: Mark, Janna, Stephanie, Zachary, Kasi, Sarah, Johann, Maxxwell, Elizabeth, Riley, Natalie, Kristina, Joshua, and Caleb. He loved his children. He was at every sporting event and music program his kids were part of. He loved having his Grandchildren in his company. Don enjoyed his grandchildren and once retired he devoted his time to be at everything they did; football, basketball, golf, baseball, wrestling, soccer, volleyball, track, dance and theater. Not only was he there physically for his grandchildren but spiritually too, he spent time praying for their health, daily protection and future. In 1963, Rev. Martin Ives led Don to accept Jesus into his heart and life. Most of his career he was in sales and service of heavy equipment with N. C. Machinery, (Caterpillar) and Smith Tractor (John Deere). Don was a hard worker. He never kept a customer waiting and was true to his word no matter what the cost. Don instilled these same ethics in his children and his grandchildren. Don had a genuine willingness to lend a hand to his children, friend or anyone in need. He was known as a firm father, a kind and honest friend for life. He put family and others first before himself. Resided in the Tacoma area for fifty-eight years and will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family.