Lewis Leodacious Snell

Lewis Leodacious Snell was born on April 11, 1965, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the union of William Henry Snell and Clara Olia Snell. He peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the age of 60.

A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Lewis received Christ at an early age and was raised attending Galilee Baptist Church. As an adult, he was affiliated with Christian Life Center. He graduated in 1983 and continued his studies at Kalamazoo Community College. Lewis was employed as a Machine Operator for over 20 years at various factories in the area.

Lewis had a deep love for family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He looked forward to the annual trips to Alabama with his girls and grandchildren to visit his mother and sisters. In his free time, Lewis enjoyed fishing, camping, and barbecuing for his annual birthday party, a tradition he held dear. He was known for his famous grilling and made every birthday a celebration of love and family. Lewis also enjoyed playing spades and bid whist with family and friends, sharing many laughs and unforgettable moments.

Lewis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always made sure to be present for his family, offering wisdom, care, and protection. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will live on through his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Henry Snell; two brothers, Lonnie Ester Thomas and Tracey Lee Snell; one sister, Linda Kay Ann Snell-McComb; his niece, Rickeshia Tatyana Montalvo; his brother/cousin, Tyrone Paige; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 35 years, Juanita Snell, his mother, Clara Snell of Huntsville, AL.; four daughters: Marisa Elena Briggs (Darnell) of Kalamazoo, MI., Alicia Louise Snell of Indianapolis, IN., Fatima Angelique Snell of Kalamazoo, MI., and Reyna Valeria Snell of Kalamazoo, MI.; four grandchildren: Amariah Da'Jhamere Snell of Indianapolis, IN., Kamille Lupita Briggs of Kalamazoo, MI., Carmello A'mon Snell of Indianapolis, IN., and Darnell Anthony Briggs Jr. of Kalamazoo, MI.; honorary daughter: Malissa Luckett of Kalamazoo, MI.; five sisters: Dorothy (Willie) Griffin of Crossett, AR., Darlah (Carl) Shumate of Little Rock, AR., Diane Walker of Milwaukee, WI., Shirley (Frank) Glasscho of Madison, AL., and Sharon Snell of Madison, AL.; three brothers: Henry (Diane) Covington of Little Rock, AR., Jimmie (Beverly) Snell of Little Rock, AR., and Michael Snell of Kalamazoo, MI.; five brothers-in-law: Juan Orta of Las Vegas, NV., Jose Orta of Kalamazoo, MI., Jesus Orta of Detroit, MI., Joel Orta of Vicksburg, MI., and Julian Orta of Union City, MI.; two sisters-in-law: Julie Johnson of Indianapolis, IN., and Vanisha McComb of Toney, AL.; brother-cousin: Derrick Snell, special aunt Berna Woods of Kalamazoo, MI., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.