OBITUARY: Gerald “Jerry” Snyder

Gerald “Jerry” Snyder, a decorated Vietnam veteran, devoted husband, loving father and proud Papa, departed this life on Oct. 24, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, service, patriotism and devotion to family, community and fellow veterans.

In a bittersweet homecoming, he shared his final day on Earth with his beloved granddaughter Addyson’s birthday, a day he wanted to see and a day they will forever share.

Jerry was born on Aug. 26, 1946, in the Number One Community, at the home place of his grandparents, Noah Elmer Snyder and Minnie Carter Snyder. He was the son of Albert William Snyder and Evelyn (Scheets) Snyder.

On Sept. 24, 1966, Jerry married the love of his life, his beloved “bride,” Sondra Louise Hinkle Snyder. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Jerry often said he would follow his bride anywhere — or, as he affectionately put it, “follow that ponytail anywhere.”

A Soldier, a Patriot and an American Hero

Jerry proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Blackhorse Trooper with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On Feb. 24, 1967, he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

Following his military service, Jerry continued supporting Army morale at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for three decades. He was a proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Military Order of the Purple Heart. He spent many years serving alongside fellow veterans in Honor Guard and Color Guard duties, honoring those who served and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He was also instrumental in efforts to designate local communities and counties as Purple Heart Cities and Counties, ensuring combat-wounded veterans’ sacrifices would be recognized and remembered in the communities in which they lived.

Jerry never sought recognition, but his pride in his country, loyalty to his fellow soldiers and commitment to veterans were unmistakable.

His Greatest Honor: Being Papa

Jerry’s proudest title was Papa. His greatest loves were his bride and his two daughters, Salina and Stephanie and his five grandchildren and bonus grandson, each cherished in his own special way.

His “Punkin Girl,” Tayler Holland Wright, held a special place in his heart, as did his bonus grandson, Jonathan Wright. His grandson, Landon Holland whom he loved, was affectionately known as his “boy kid.”

His beloved and youngest grandchildren, his “chops” were his pride and joy, Addyson, his “McSweety”; Alleah, his “McCutie”; and Reed Noah Albert, his “McBoy Kid” — all of which brought him immeasurable happiness. These nicknames were a language of love all their own, reflecting Jerry’s humor and the unique bond he shared with each grandchild.

He is survived by his bride, Sondra; daughter, Salina Holland and son-in-law Dennis, whom he called “D”; daughter, Stephanie McKinney, forever his “Smurf”; and son-in-law, Ryan, his “Cowboy” and his “Dude.” He is also survived by his beloved brother, Albert Darrell Snyder and wife, Patricia, beloved sister, Burma (Snyder) Barton, and beloved brother, Jim Snyder.

His family will forever treasure his humor, familiar sayings and “Jerry-isms,” affectionate nicknames, and the countless ways he made each person feel loved.

A Hunter, Sportsman and Friend to All

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Jerry enjoyed many memorable hunting adventures with friends and the honorary “sons” who became part of his life. Through shared experiences and laughter, these friendships became family.

Jerry loved entertaining visitors at home and giving tours of his special “museum,” filled with military memorabilia, taxidermied critters and handcrafted canes. Each item held a story or memory, and he generously gifted many of his canes to people he cared about. Whether sharing a military story, recounting a hunting adventure, showing treasured memorabilia or simply visiting, Jerry made people feel welcome. He loved his community and readily helped family, friends and neighbors.

A Man of Faith and Lasting Legacy

Above all, Jerry loved God, his family and his fellow veterans. He often described himself simply as “just a kid from Plato, Mo.” His life reflected humility, loyalty, patriotism, generosity and love for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert William Snyder and Evelyn (Scheets) Snyder Covert; stepfather, Pete Covert; infant brother, David Snyder; sister, Karen (Snyder) Leighty; and brother, Kirby Snyder.

Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Sondra; daughters, Salina and Stephanie, sons-in-law, Dennis and Ryan, five grandchildren and bonus grandson; siblings; honorary sons; extended family; friends; fellow veterans; and a community forever touched by his life.

His earthly journey has ended, but his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the veterans he honored, the communities he served and the friendships he nurtured. His grand reunion with his beloved grandmother, Minnie, has just begun.

He served his country with courage, loved his family without reservation and honored his fellow soldiers with unwavering loyalty.

Well done, our soldier.

Be At Ease.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at the Success School Gym with Pastors David Leighty and Gary Davenport officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in the Old Union Cemetery at Huggins. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.