William James "Bill" Snyder

1942 - 2014

LEXINGTON: William "Bill" James Snyder, 72, of Lexington passed away peacefully at home, Thursday June 12, 2014.

Bill was born March 1, 1942 in Finlay the son of Clyde Harrison and Edna Geraldine (Robinson) Snyder. Struggling with polio as a young boy, Bill endured a lengthy hospital stay and long periods of recuperation, but made a full recovery and enjoyed an active and happy childhood. Moving from one town to another, while his father pursued a successful career in the grain elevator management business, Bill and his family settled in Pemberville, Ohio as he entered the 8th grade. Bill was a graduate of Eastwood High School, class of 1959 in Pemberville, Ohio, and also earned his degree from Columbus State University.

Bill was previously a cost accountant for Peabody Galion, in Galion and a teller at First Federal Bank also in Galion.

At an early age, Bill developed a passion for horses. Sharing his interest in horses with his father and brother, all three made training and showing horses an adventurous hobby. Bill met his first wife Julie Ann (Stevens) Snyder of Galion in 1968 at a horse show. The couple married in 1969, and were together until Julie's passing in June of 2002. Bill and Julie put their common passion to good use by giving riding lessons, buying, selling, and breeding horses as well as managing a boarding facility at their home.

A well established trainer and horse judge, Bill judged at the American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus. He was involved with the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Paint, Pinto and Palomino Associations.

In 2007 due to illness, Bill was forced to stop judging. Throughout his life, the love of family and friends developed Bill into a very caring, compassionate and special person. Serving as an American Quarter Horse judge for almost 40 years brought so much joy to Bill's life and he loved to educate and share his love for horses. Bill left behind many family and friends who were truly honored to know him.

In 2010 Bill married Jennifer Lynn (Smithhart) Snyder. The two lived in Mansfield before recently relocating to Lexington where they planned to open a bed and breakfast.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Lynn (Smithhart) Snyder of Lexington; son Robert "Rob" (Shelly) Snyder of Lexington, daughter Anne (Brad) DeLeeuw of Wilmington, Delaware; grandchildren Clay and Darby Snyder and Marina and Charlotte DeLeeuw; nephew Dean (Tracey) Snyder; great nephews Cole and Grant Snyder.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Julie A. (Stevens) Snyder; brother Robert "Bob" Snyder.

The Snyder family will receive friends Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 2-4pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where funeral services will begin at 4 pm. The Rev. Paul Walter will officiate. Burial will be held Monday in Blooming Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Salvation Army may be made through the funeral home.

Messages of sympathy may be made to the Snyder family by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com