On Sunday, September 20, 2020, Edwin Harold Snyder, loving husband, father of two children, and friend to many passed away at the age of 89.
Known as Harold to family and Ed to friends, he was born January 3, 1931 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Simon Benett "Ben" Snyder and Charlcie Dee Henderson Snyder. He was raised in Jay, Oklahoma. He graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor's of Science in education in 1952.
He joined the Air Force on May 23, 1953, serving as a mathematician trained in ballistic missiles, orbital mechanics, space flight control, and Titan 1 and Titan 2 guide control. He earned a Bronze star for his exceptional service during the Vietnam war. He met Mary Catherine Snyder while they both served in the Air Force; they married in Omaha, Nebraska on April 12, 1966. Mary and Ed raised two children, Edwin and Susan. Ed retired after 22 years of service. Throughout his years of service he never made a mathematical mistake.
Following his retirement from the Air Force Ed and his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he worked as a computer analyst for Oklahoma Natural Gas until his retirement in 1986. He volunteered with the Red Cross and supported many charities.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother (Samuel Morris Snyder), and his wife. He is survived by his children, Edwin H. Snyder, II of Tulsa, OK and Susan M. Snyder of Decatur, GA. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Gene Hill of Broken Arrow, OK, and sister-in-law Molly Snyder of Oklahoma City, OK. He also had many nieces and nephews and their children. He was a longtime boyfriend, companion, dance partner, and church date of Lila Martini of Owasso, OK and he loved Lila's grandchildren, Chris, Noah, Jackie, and Nicholas as if they were his own.
In his final years of life Lisa Davydow became not only his caregiver, but also his closest friend. Ed and Lisa had countless adventures that filled his heart with joy, and made his final years the best in his life. She remained tirelessly devoted to his care even during the pandemic, and enriched his life in countless ways. The family remains grateful to Lisa for all the loving kindness she showed him.
Throughout his life Ed was proudest of his family, including his baby sister, his son Edwin, and daughter Susan. Edwin and Ed shared a home for 52 years. Edwin also shares his father's quiet, generous nature, sense of humor, love of Italian food, and strong faith in God.
Each of Ed's loved ones are especially grateful for the exceptional care and love that Evergreen Hospice provided. Our words are inadequate for all that the Evergreen team did to provide comfort and care for the final chapter of Ed's long life. We extend our deepest gratitude to Sandra Turner (nurse), Heather Williams (nurse), Danny Harp (nurse), Roy Betz (chaplain), Molly Perona (social worker), and Mae Wilson (aide).
We are also extremely grateful to each member of the Aberdeen Memory Care staff, especially Michelle Pankey (resident care coordinator), Michelle Netters (director resident services), Tara (business manager), Jalissa, Cynthia, DeShannon (lifestyles director), Saundra, Kathryn, Kizzy, Shantel, Aloha, Brian, Linda, Donovan, Shirley, Patrice, and Trischa Kwiatkowski (executive director). Each staff member Aberdeen staff was loving and kind, and they went above and beyond to fill Ed's time there with happiness.
We ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Crossroads Clubhouse, Joy Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice; Ed and those he loved have always valued giving to others. The viewing will be on Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Moore Funeral Home located at 9350 E. 51st Tulsa, OK (mask requirement). Services will be held Friday, September 25th at 9:30 am at Joy Lutheran Church (virtually and in-person with limited attendance and a mask requirement), and burial will be at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 12:00 pm (mask requirement).