Elmer Elwood Snyder, Jr.

Elmer Snyder

Elmer Elwood Snyder, Jr., 86, with family by his side, went to be with Jesus on August 11, 2025.

Elmer was born Sept. 20, 1938, one of eight children born to Elmer Elwood, Sr., and Molly Irene (Miller) Snyder.

Elmer grew up and went to school in Big Springs, Nebr. He joined the U.S. Navy his junior year in high school, but that was cut short and he was given a medical discharge after only a few months of service at San Diego, Calif.

Elmer worked for city and state municipalities his entire career. He operated the Garden City water treatment plant, was city streets manager and later worked for the water treatment plant, both for Scott City. He also worked for the State of Kansas for over 18 years, retiring in 2007.

After retirement, he spent many summers mowing for Lake Scott State Park.

He married Darlene Davis in Holcomb on Feb. 11, 1960. To this union they were blessed with children: Larry, Patricia, Twila, Paula and Michael, before they divorced.

Survivors include his children, Larry Snyder, Tribune, Patricia Sayer and husband, Kevin, Leoti, and Paula Wenger and husband, Eli, Hiawatha; sisters, Peggy Dulemba and husband, Ron, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Maggie McGregor, Laramie, Wyo.; sister-in-law, Rajeanne Snyder, Perkin, N.D.; nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who all adored him.

A special friend of Elmer’s was Karla Schulenberg of Hiawatha.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Snyder in infancy; a daughter, Twila Rich; a brother, Leroy; three sisters, Mary Clark and husband Ed, Shirley Jantz and Betty Reeves and husband Robert; and brother-in-law, Dan Mc-Gregor.

Funeral service is planned for Fri., August 22, 2:00 p.m., at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Chaplain (Captain) Joshua Merritt (grandson) and Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.

Inurnment will follow at the Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may sign the register book during the day on Wednesday and Thursday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NEK Hospice which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, Ks. 66434.

Condolences can also be left at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome. com