Owen D. Snyder

Owen D. Snyder, 92, of Wyano, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 at the home of his daughter in Monessen. He was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Hempfield Township, son of the late George and Ruth (True) Snyder. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Gerald A. Snyder; and sister, Jennie Hand. Owen is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Jane (Metz) Snyder, of Wyano; four loving daughters, Denise Lang (Michael Steiner) of Smithton, Leona Davis (Guy) of Greensburg, Karen Rattanni (Richard) of Wyano, and Lisa Axton (James) of Monessen; seven grandchildren, whom he cherished, Danielle (Lang) Clark and George Lang II,, Kaitlyn and Benjamin Davis, Richard (Jessie), Robert and Michael Rattanni; one very special great-granddaughter, Rosetta Rattanni; former son-in-law, George Lang; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Owen was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in Company H of the 16th Regiment of the Big Red One assigned to occupation duty in Germany whose mission was to act as a strategic deterrent to the Soviet Union that eyed a weakened Europe. He was later reassigned to the 326th Engineer Battalion tasked to rebuild roads in Germany at the conclusion of the war. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Active Reserve rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. He worked in the coal mining industry for 29 years advancing by position, training, and schooling to reach the level of mining superintendent. When asked what he considered to be one of his most major accomplishments over his career, he was most proud of the fact that no one ever suffered a serious injury or died in the mine while under his supervision for he had an exemplary safety record in an industry that can be very dangerous. Owen was a member of the United Church of the Brethren as well as the West Newton Masonic Blyth Lodge #593 in West Newton. We honor Owen by remembering him for the truly amazing man that he was, one who exemplified strong resiliency, a good and peaceful spirit, sound wisdom, engaging storytelling, a helpful nature, and the living expression of God's kindness to all that he met. A visitation for family and friends will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at J. William McCauley, Jr. Funeral Home, 901 Vine St. West Newton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 in the funeral home by Pastor Cheryl Petrini. Burial with military honors will follow in West Newton Cemetery. Donations in Owen's memory can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Condolences may be left at http://www.mccauleyfuneralhome.com.

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