Bill Snyder

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Bill J. Snyder, 88, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Thursday, July 19, 1923 in Brownington, Missouri, the son of William O. and Grace (DeLozier) Snyder. He departed this life at 10:04 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at his home near Pleasant Hill surrounded with love and family.

At the age of 19, he enlisted in the 8th Air Force. He was a tail-gunner on a B-24 Bomber plane, flying 30 missions over enemy territory. He was awarded an air metal - 4 oak leaf clusters, invasion metal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorable discharged in 1945.

On July 23, 1948, he was united in marriage to Cletis Dee Murphy in Kansas City, Missouri.

Bill worked for General Motors Corporation for over 30 years, retiring in February 1979. He also owned and operated Snyder farms outside of Pleasant Hill. Bill loved going to sales; every Tuesday you could find him at the Kingsville Livestock Auction, watching the cattle sell and visiting with friends and neighbors. Bill was a very devoted and loving Husband and Father; he always enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister Byrdeen Blackwell and one grandchild Christopher Snyder.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Cletis of the home; three sons: Billy Snyder and his wife Sherrie, Larry Snyder, Dennis Snyder and his wife Melinda, one daughter Darlene Eslick and her husband Clifford, all of Pleasant Hill; Nine grandchildren; Twelve great grandchildren; one sister Annebell Rufenacht of Clinton, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation was held Monday evening at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Turvaville of the East Lynne Baptist Church officiated. The music was rendered by the "Praise 5" singing group with the East Lynne Baptist Church. Interment was in the Staley Mound Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Air Force and the Lee's Summit American Legion Post #189.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Staley Mound Cemetery and may be sent in care of the funeral home.