Eugene Albert "Gene" Snyder

Lima

Eugene Albert "Gene" Snyder, 86, died at 10:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009, at Lima Convalescent Home.

He was born Oct. 12, 1922, in Lima to Karl O. and Ruth Stuff Snyder, who preceded him in death. On April 25, 1942, he married Ruth Marie Shenk, who died Nov. 3, 2008.

Mr. Snyder began working at Crawford Shoe Store in Dayton, and the mailroom of the Shovel and Crane division of the Lima Locomotive Works. He served in World War II with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1942 to 1945. Upon his return from the war, he resumed his work in sales and marketing with Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton, which ultimately merged with Clark Equipment. He retired as international vice president of sales, construction division after more than 40 years. His positions required travel and negotiations with companies all around the world. He was the first Limaite to fly around the world, with his flight originating from the Lima Airport on the erstwhile Lake Central Airlines. After retirement from Clark Equipment, he became a real estate agent for McNamara Realty in Lima. He was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54, Rotary Club and Shawnee Country Club. He was a 1940 graduate of Lima Central High School. His great love was his wife of 66 years. He lived his life for her and his beloved family. He was a role model for all of them. He was an original member of the Hogg Creek Tennis Club and an avid Buckeyes fan. He loved tennis, fishing and reading. He was a true gentleman, gracious and giving to everyone he encountered. He was loved by his family and all who knew him.

Survivors include a daughter, Beverly Jeanne (partner Dr. William Lauf) Thompson; a brother, Judge Robert O. (Shirley) Snyder, of Kirkwood, Mo.; two grandsons, Brett David Shingledecker, of Lima, and Paul David (Mary Pat) Shingledecker, of Huntersville, N.C.; a granddaughter, Jill Ann Shingledecker, of New Orleans; two great-grandchildren, Jared and Tyler Shingledecker; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Snyder; two sisters, Alice Query and Frances Brown; two sons-in-law, Capt. Armon D. Shingledecker and Reed Thompson.

Services will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Homes, Shawnee Chapel. Sister Christine Schenk will officiate. Burial of the cremains will be in Gethsemani Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Equestrian Therapy Program, 22532 Bowsher Road, Cridersville, OH 45805, or to Lima Convalescent Home, 1650 Allentown Road, Lima, OH 45805.