Robert V. Snyders

Dateline: Hardin, IL
Surrounded by family, Robert "Bob" Vincent Snyders, 83, of Batchtown, IL, passed away November 29, 2025 at Jerseyville Community Hospital in Jerseyville, IL.
The eldest of three children, Bob was born at home on May 23, 1943 to Vincent and Agnes (Pluester) Snyders of Batchtown, IL. Bob attended Calhoun High School in Hardin, IL, where he participated as a member of the Hardin Chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) for four years and served as president his senior year. Throughout his time in the FFA, Bob helped plant thousands of trees at home and on the school farm, build terraces and sod waterways, design and construct a pond stocked with bass and bluegill, and served on the livestock and grain judging teams. For his efforts, Bob was awarded the 1961 soil and water management award by the Illinois Foundation of the Future Farmers of America.
After graduating high school, Bob poured concrete for Wehmeier Concrete in St. Peters, MO, while continuing to help run the Snyders family dairy farm in Batchtown, IL. In the summer of 1965, Bob was introduced to his best friend and future wife, Pearl Devening, at the annual St. Mary's Church picnic in Fieldon, IL. Two months later, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Germany, where he served as a military police officer, guarding barracks which housed missiles. Throughout his military service, Pearl remained by Bob's side, sending letters and candid polaroids to his barracks overseas until he returned home in 1967. Reunited upon his return, Bob and Pearl were married in the company of their family and friends on September 2, 1967 at St. Mary's Church in Fieldon, IL. Bob and Pearl welcomed five children in the years to follow, raising them on the family dairy farm which Bob eventually purchased in the late 1970s.
As an active participant in his community, Bob served as a member of the Richwood Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and as the fire chief for many years, was a certified EMR and volunteer ambulance driver for the Calhoun County Volunteer Ambulance Service, the caretaker of St. Barbara's Church Cemetery, and a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau board, Batchtown American Legion Post 632, and the Blessed Trinity finance council. When Bob wasn't serving his community, he could be found fishing for bluegill or hunting small game, working on the family farm with his wife, children, and grandchildren, or smiling in his porch swing with a cigar in hand.
Bob is survived by his brother, Bernard (Gloria) Snyders of Batchtown, IL; sister, Karen (Everett) Friedel of Batchtown, IL; sister-in-law Helen Devening of Fieldon, IL; two sons, Leon Snyders of Batchtown, IL and Kent (Andrea) Snyders of Batchtown, IL; daughters, Patricia (Bernard) Johnes of Batchtown, IL, and Tammy (Tony) Franke of Batchtown, IL; grandchildren, Rachel Snyders of Alton, IL, Robert Snyders of Alton, IL, Patrick (Ashley) Snyders of Batchtown, IL, Hayden Snyders of Farmingville, NY, Vincent Johnes of Batchtown, IL, Emily (Tristan) Ontis of Jerseyville, IL, Leslie Johnes (fiancé Patrick Wangler) of Eldred, IL, Ashley Johnes of Batchtown, IL, Margaret Franke of Batchtown, IL, and Allie Franke of Batchtown, IL; and great-grandchildren Braleigh, Kayleigh, and Karsyn Snyders of Alton, IL, and Korbin Snyders of Batchtown, IL. Bob was excited to welcome another great-grandson in February 2026.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his oldest son, Otto Snyders.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gress Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Barbara's Church in Batchtown, IL, and a luncheon to follow in the church basement.
Memorials may be given to the family's choice, St. Barbara's Cemetery, or masses.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.