Gerald Dean Snyder

Gerald Dean Snyder, 87, of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Gerald was born on March 9, 1938.

He enjoyed reading L’Amour westerns, drinking coffee, traveling, spending time in nature, woodworking, and especially being with his beloved pupper dog.

He is survived by his nine children: Lori McKee, Kathy Edgar, Sammy Snyder, Richard Kroeger, Denise Loughary, Michelle Moore, Tracy Moore, Clinton Acosta, and Theresa Pereida; his brother, Gary Snyder; 22 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Snyder; his first wife, Alfreda Ann Kayras; his parents Alfred Leon Snyder and Lottie Flier; his brother, Leon Snyder; and two children, Colett Oliver and Brett Snyder.

A funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Elkton, South Dakota, with Pastor Nellie Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery in Aurora, South Dakota.

Pallbearers will be Sammy Snyder, Sonny Snyder, Josh Oliver, Adam Oliver, Travis Oliver, Mathew Loughary, Jason Pereida, Chloe Pereida, Gianna Pereida, and Stryker Bonillas.

A Cowboy's Prayer

Oh Lord, I've never lived where churches grow. I love creation better as it stood, That day You finished it so long ago And looked upon Your work and called it good.

I know that others find you in the light That's sifted down through tinted window panes, And yet I seem to feel You near tonight In this dim, quiet starlight on the plains.

I thank You, Lord, that I am placed so well, That You have made my freedom so complete; That I'm no slave of whistle, clock, or bell Nor weak-eyed prisoner of wall and street.

Just let me live my life as I've begun And give me work that's open to the sky; Make me a pardner of the wind and sun, And I won't ask a life that's soft or high.

Let me be easy on the man that's down; Let me be square and generous with all. I'm careless sometimes, Lord, when I'm in town, But never let 'em say I'm mean or small!

Make me as big and open as the plains, As honest as the hoss between my knees, Clean as the wind that blows behind the rains, Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze!

Forgive me, Lord, if sometimes I forget. You know about the reasons that are hid. You understand the things that gall and fret; You know me better than my mother did.

Just keep an eye on all that's done and said And right me, sometimes when I turn aside, And guide me on the long, dim trail ahead That stretches upward toward The Great Divide