John William

Snyder

John William Snyder, age 91, and a former resident of Gold Beach, went home to be with Jesus in Eugene, Oregon, on June 27, 2025. He was born in Sixes, Oregon to Elmer Forrest and Juanita Pearl (Wilson) Snyder on January 17, 1934. John "Jonnie" joined two older brothers, Elmer Fred and Ronald "Bud" Forrest, and sister Betty Mae (Teasley). He was later joined by two younger sisters, Juanita Kay (Armstrong) Brown and June (Mickelson) Snyder.

John spent most of his life living in Curry County. He graduated from Ophir High School and enlisted in the Air Force. John was stationed in California, Colorado, Texas, and Massachusetts for training before sending 2years in Japan during the Korean War. Discharged in 1956, he moved back to Gold Beach and met Joan at the Pistol River Friendship Hall. John and Joan started dating after he saved her daughter Piney from having her leg stuck in a chair. They married on July 26,1957, and went on to have four more daughters: Paula Jayne, Patricia Gail, Pamela Renee, and Peggy Lee.

John had a number of jobs over the years: millworker, choker-setter, aircraft mechanic (Air Force), auto mechanic, gas station attendant, tow truck driver, custodian, machinist, finally having his own business: an auto mechanic shop called "Jonnie's Machine". John retired due to health issues and spent the rest of his years helping others with anything he could. Friends and family were very important to him.

John and Joan moved to Eugene in 2020 due to medical reasons and lived at Evergreen Assisted Living until her death in 2024 and his in 2025. They were staff favorites due to the jokes, laughter, and the great stories they told.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Joan Claudette, his father Elmer, his mother Juanita, brothers Fred and "Bud" and his sisters Betty, Kay and June. He was also preceded by his son-in-law Ken Tams and grandson Robert Stansell.

He is survived by his daughters Piney (David) Stansell, Paula (Marty) Curtis, Patti (Eddie) Stephens, Pam (Duane) Hankins, Peggy (Daniel) Sanders, 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

John's Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September27th at the First Baptist Church of Gold Beach, 29755 Turner Street, Gold Beach. A dessert reception will follow in the church Friendship Hall.