Alvin Snyder III

Alvin Snyder III (1981-2024) passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma cancer. Never too serious, he maintained his sense of humor and quick wit until his final days.

Alvin, son of Kellie Snyder Townsend and Alvin Snyder Jr., was born in Des Moines, IA. He was a fun-loving, caring adventurer with a free spirit and a love for the outdoors, cycling, and spending time with a cold drink in his hand with friends and family. He enjoyed slow pitch softball, playing with a group of friends until they were the “old guys” on the diamond. His love of sports ran deep, and he made incredible memories cheering on his Iowa State Cyclones, New York Giants and Atlanta Braves. You could most often catch him watching a game or tracking stats of another. He went to countless bowl games and March Madness trips with his brother and friends, and traveled to catch the Braves whenever they were close. His love of travel expanded when he became a Jeep enthusiast (Jeeper) and went on off-roading trips and enjoyed all that mother nature had to offer. Always seeking a fun time, he dabbled in jet ski ownership and became the uncle of the year for many summer trips to Clear Lake. 

Alvin had an enormous, accepting, caring heart and could befriend anyone through his gift of gab. Many stories could prove his generous spirit and he easily made connections wherever he went.

Throughout his time in the restaurant and hospitality business he built incredible relationships and was a good friend to many. Those friends became family, and even throughout his final weeks, he had a revolving door of visitors sharing memories and stories.

He is survived by his mother, Kellie (Dean) Townsend; father, Alvin Jr. (Aireen) Snyder; brother, Robbie (Melissa) Snyder; grandparents, Bob (Marie) Doyle; sisters, Maryen (Xavior) Fitch, Angelica and Sophia Snyder, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. His nieces and nephews, Hudson, Kellan, and Rowen Snyder, and Malia and Aila Fitch always held a special place in his heart. Butters and Charlie, his beloved cats, brought joy to him every day and will certainly miss him.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Nancy Doyle, Alvin Sr. and Sandra Snyder, and aunt Hellene Snyder.

Services will be at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale on Thursday, January 9th from 4-7p.m., with Rosary starting at 4p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, January 10th at noon at the Basilica of Saint John in Des Moines, and will be live streamed. Please join us for a luncheon immediately following mass. Burial will be at a later date at Laurel Hill Cemetery. His family sincerely appreciates all the loving care that was provided to Alvin from his friends, family, and medical team at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A special thank you to RN Cathy and Dr. Rock from Iowa Radiology for their immeasurable compassion and support throughout Alvin’s journey.

Contributions can be made to the family, or you may honor Alvin's memory by performing an act of kindness and paying it forward.

“Thank you for being a friend.”