Rick A. Snyder

Rick A. Snyder, 48, entered into his heavenly rest Tuesday, May 24, 2016, after a valiant battle with a long-term illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and inspired others.

Rick was born August 31, 1967, in Van Wert, to Sally (DeMoss) Snyder, a homemaker, and the late Frank Snyder, a local farmer and businessman. He was raised in the Christian faith that would be his lifelong support from an early age. He graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1985 and began a farming career in Van Wert County. Rick began his love of farming at a young age, and he enjoyed participating in plowing competitions and coaching high school boys’ and girls’ basketball at Lincolnview Local Schools and Elida High School over the years.

Rick was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly McClure, on December 9, 1989, in Van Wert. Rick helped raised his four children with patience, discipline, and humility. He took them to church faithfully and loved camping with his family at Crooked Lake in Angola, Indiana, each summer.

Rick was a man of great courage who battled a brain tumor for over 15 years. He persevered through many physical difficulties, including a stroke in 2014. Despite these challenges, he continued to farm and provide for his family. A hero to his friends and family, he is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at home with his Creator.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kimberly; his daughters, Elizabeth (Derek) Mayer of Lima, and Michaela and Olivia Snyder; his son, Jack Snyder; his mother, Sally Snyder; and his sisters, Beth (David) Evans, Amber (Greg) Rickard, and Leigh (Randy) Carey, all of Van Wert. He will also be missed by his 21 nieces and nephews, and 10 great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, others who preceded him in death include his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Ruth Snyder; and maternal grandparents, Darrell and Mable DeMoss.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, with Pastor John Heyward officiating. A luncheon will follow the services at Grace Community Church, 4359 Allentown Road in Elida.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be given to the Snyder family to defray medical expenses incurred in Rick’s treatment.

Prayers, condolences, and memories are gladly accepted at www.alspachgearhart.com.