Duane Willis Snyder

Duane Willis Snyder
October 11, 1940 – October 18, 2025
A beloved member of the Macon community, Duane Willis Snyder, 85, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 18, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri-just one week after celebrating his 85th birthday surrounded by four generations of his adoring family.
A man of deep faith, kindness, and community spirit, Duane devoted his 85 years to family, service, and joy. Known for his generosity, humor, and unwavering dedication to others, he touched countless lives through his volunteer work, craftsmanship, and love of music and theatre. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he uplifted, and the community he helped shape with compassion and purpose.
Born on October 11, 1940, in Lucerne, Missouri, Duane was the son of Murl and Jessie Snyder. He grew up on the family farm and attended the one-room Snyder School through the eighth grade before graduating from Unionville High School. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 1962.
Duane never forgot his roots. He regularly visited the family farm and remained active in the Unionville alumni community, serving as chair of the annual all-class reunion for several years.
He spent his career in the food industry, holding positions across six states. Duane worked for Macon Meatpacking during the 1970s and later enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Conagra Brands in St. Louis, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska. After retiring, he and his wife, Janice (Janning) Snyder, returned to Macon in 2000, where they designed and built their dream home on Lamb Avenue.
In Macon, Duane was well known for his generous volunteerism and deep community involvement. He was named Macon Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year in 2016 and could often be found helping at Macon County Food Ministries, attending Lions Club meetings, or serving on local community boards.
Later in life, Duane discovered a love for music and theater. He sang in the church choir-where he and Janice were active parishioners-and served as an Elder for many years. He also became active in the Carousel Community Theatre, where he helped build sets and appeared in numerous productions. When the Maples Repertory Theatre opened in Macon, Duane became a devoted supporter, assisting with fundraising and remodeling projects, and rarely missed a performance from their front-row seats. Duane and Janice often opened their home to visiting actors and staff, offering warm hospitality to countless members of the theatre community from across the country.
A lifelong woodworker, Duane took great joy in crafting furniture and keepsakes for his loved ones. His handcrafted pieces grace the homes of family and friends, each one a cherished reminder of his skill, creativity, and generosity.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald Snyder; and his sister, Wanda. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Janice; their children Darin (Claire) Snyder, Eric (Lynn) Snyder, and Jenae (Greg) Young; grandchildren Megan Staub, Dylan Snyder, Jack Snyder, Hayden Snyder, Ian Snyder, Megan Gardner, Jessica Young, Joy Harper, and Gabe Mondragon; great-grandchildren Amelia Gardner, Ciro Staub, and Roslyn Harper; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Duane's life will be held at First Christian Church in Macon, Missouri, on November 8th. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the service immediately following. Interment will take place afterward at Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a reception at Maples Repertory Theatre. The family hopes all will join them for food and fellowship in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, and to support his love of local theater, memorial contributions may be made in Duane's name to the Maples Repertory Theatre, Macon, Missouri.
Duane will be remembered for his faith, boundless generosity, old-fashioned wit, and steadfast devotion to his family and community. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.