Paul David "Dave" Snyder

Paul "Dave" David Snyder, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on July 8, 2024 while in Veteran Affairs memory care in Tyler, Texas. Born on June 20, 1941, in Bozeman, Montana, to Wesley and Nellie Snyder, Dave lived a life full of adventure.
One of six children, Dave grew up in a Christian home as a preacher's kid. He joined the Navy in 1960 and became an Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class Petty Officer. He was a Morse code operator on the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions. During the Cold War, he flew missions from Hawaii to Midway Island to Alaska and back to provide early warning of an attack by the USSR. He learned of JFK's death by de-coding a Morse code message during a flight, and he met John Glenn on Midway Island. Dave cherished the camaraderie and lifelong friendships he built with his Navy buddies, who called him Papa Delta, often reminiscing about their shared adventures and experiences.
After completing his enlistment, Dave married the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Lois Moody, on June 4, 1966. Early in their marriage, Dave and Patty smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) with Brother Andrew, famously known as "God's Smuggler." This daring mission reflected their deep commitment to their faith and their courage in the face of danger.
A true Montanan at heart, Dave was a great outdoorsman and hunter. He found peace and thrill in nature, whether he was riding motorcycles through scenic trails or fixing up cars with meticulous care. He was a captivating storyteller and had a great sense of humor. His passion for writing allowed him to share his experiences and stories, leaving behind a legacy of words that will continue to inspire. Tough as nails, he survived a plane crash, a high-speed head-on collision, and being hit by a two-ton tow truck as a pedestrian. He was also deeply compassionate and would give the shirt off his back to help both strangers and friends.
Dave is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Snyder Page (spouse Jerald Page), his son Paul David Snyder II (spouse Angie Paris Snyder), his cherished grandchild, Clara, his sister, Jayne Snyder Moore, and his brother, Wesley "Butch" Snyder. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Dave is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Patty, his parents, Wesley and Nellie Snyder, and his siblings Wayne Snyder, Pauline Snyder McKinney, and Robert Snyder.
Visitation will be from 12:00 -1:00pm Thursday July 18 at Stenberg Funeral Home in Big Timber with funeral services immediately following. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Global Bridges (GlobalBridgesRelief.org), a Christian organization that feeds and educates people in highly restricted nations.
Dave's spirit of adventure, love for his family, and unwavering dedication to his friends and country will be dearly missed. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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