Wayne Snyder

1949 - 2021

Wayne Snyder

DEMING - Wayne "Colonel" Snyder passed away at the age of 71 on January 31, 2021 at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, after a month in the hospital fighting a hard battle against Covid-19.

Wayne was born in Chicago, IL, to John and Patricia Snyder on August 24, 1949. He graduated from Downers Grove High School South. While attending Downers Grove, he enjoyed being in the Choir, playing baseball and being their star pitcher. After graduating, Wayne tried to join the military but was denied for medical reasons. He enrolled at the College of Dupage in Glen Elyn, IL, to study Criminal Justice. He attended the University of Mobile and University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama. He worked as a Security guard for Pinkerton on a Naval Shipyard to pay for his schooling.

Wayne's parents moved to Deming in the early 1970s after reading an article about Deming, NM being a great place to retire and its climate. Wayne visited his parents and fell in love with New Mexico's wilderness and vast open areas. He moved to Albuquerque, NM and met Louise Fernandez. They moved to Reserve where they lost their daughter, Melissa Sue, through stillbirth. In 1975 they moved to Deming and Wayne was hired by the Deming Police Department. He was the Valedictorian of his graduation class at the Police Academy. They were then blessed with Patricia and Michael, but sadly Louise passed away. Wayne chose to leave the Police dept., and went to work for R.S Palmers. He made the decision to go back and continue his career with the Deming Police Department. Throughout the years, Wayne rose to the rank of Lieutenant until he retired in 2000 after 22 years of service. Wayne's fellow officers nicknamed him "the Colonel" due to his authoritative demeanor and eagerness to take charge of any situation and the nickname stuck. The Colonel took pride in working and serving the Deming community. In 1985, he met and married Jannie Arenibas Snyder, his soul mate and love of his life. They had three children together, Megan, Kyleen (KC) and Tyler.

Wayne enrolled and was accepted by Western New Mexico University to start on another career a few months before retiring. He made the Dean's list and received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Counseling from 2002-2004. He was licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and was certified by the National Board for Certified Counseling. He worked for Studio Best, Inc., in 2004. Wayne was hired by Deming Public Schools 2005-2012 as a Guidance Counselor. He retired and went to work for the Judicial System as an Alternate Judge at Municipal Court from 2013-2016 for Judge Frank Van Gundy (retired 2020).

Wayne liked to spend his time playing fast pitch baseball and coed-volleyball which kept him active until his kids got him involved with their sports. He was certified as a Coach and Umpire for the Schools and Summer league programs. Wayne was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He was hunting at the time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.

Wayne was a good father to his children, and father figure to some of his nephews and nieces and other children that he counseled throughout the years. He was always ready to give them advice on Education and Careers and to set goals that are reachable and not to just to settle for anything. He let them know how their self-worth will always be priceless. Wayne will always be remembered by the memories made while going on camping trips, fishing, hunting, harvesting Christmas trees in the forest, having picnics at his Gila Property and going to the Mountains for the day.

Wayne was self-taught when it came to hunting and guns. He did get some help from his fellow brothers from the PD on hunting trips. He learned to use a muzzle loader and reload his ammunition. He then taught his children about gun safety and hunting.

Wayne had been a member of the Catholic Church, the F.O.P Deming Lodge #16, the Deming Masonic Lodge #12 (32' Scottish Rite Freemason) at one point in his life.

Wayne was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jannie Arenibas Snyder; his children Patricia Metz (James) of Las Cruces, Michael Snyder (Partner Crystal Cook) Hawaii, Megan Snyder, Deming, Kyleen Snyder (Enrique Jimenez) Tucson, AZ and Tyler Snyder (Sandra) Deming NM; grandchildren Jamie and Kyli Metz, Karli and Kameron Snyder, Alahni and Jaxon Jimenez and Nolan Snyder; his brother Frank Snyder (Rene) Davis Junction, IL, sister Michelle Snyder, Silver City, NM and numerous nephews and nieces.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, John and Patricia Snyder, former wife Louise Fernandez Snyder, daughter Melissa Sue, brother Jack Snyder and sister Darlene Snyder.

A private service was held February 16, 2021 at Mountain View Cemetery with Fr, Prakasham Babu officiating. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapel "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-546-0070. To send your condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com