Donald Snyder

Snyder, Donald

retired Senior Professor of Electrical & Systems Engineering, age 87, died November 21, 2022, in St. Louis. Donald, son of Valor and Dixie Snyder was born in 1935 in Los Angeles, California. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Carole Snyder who died in 2002. He is survived by his sons Richard (Elspeth Keller) and Philip (Carol), and three grandsons, Owen, Alex, and Elias. He was the proud brother to Patricia Snyder-Vega (d.2018). Don was a United States Naval veteran who served during the Korean War. He attributes his time in the Navy to fostering an interest in electrical engineering, a passion he pursued through his prestigious career. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and furthered his studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, receiving his PhD in 1966. He was a faculty member at both MIT and Washington University in St. Louis, where he spent the majority of his career. His distinguished tenure at Washington University included serving as the Chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering for 10 years, but it was teaching, collaborating, and mentoring students he cherished most. Aside from academic pursuits, Don enjoyed many hobbies over the years. His basement was transformed from a winemaking cellar to a photography studio and later into his woodworking shop. Fine woodworking became his second lasting passion and he served as the President of the Saint Louis Woodworkers Guild. Don's combined interests in mathematics, science and art merged and grew into a fascination with sundials. He was actively involved with the design and installation of sundials at the Missouri Botanical Garden, in Missouri and nationwide. He was an active member and contributor to professional societies, civic associations and charities and developed close friendships through each of these interests.

Services: To honor Don, there will be a celebration of his life on April 8, 2023 at Washington University, Umrath Lounge at 10:00 AM. We invite friends, family, and colleagues to join us. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer.