David Ernest Snyder

David Ernest Snyder, 83, passed away at home December 18, 2023.

He was born April 2, 1940 to the late Irvin H. and Jeanette E. (Taylor) Snyder in Akron. He was a 1958 graduate of Warsaw High School.

Dave is survived by his wife, Robin Mae (Dickey) Snyder of Warsaw; three children, Ernie Snyder, Samantha Vatter and Jacob Vatter all of Warsaw; six grandchildren, Maggie (Wilson) Moats of Coshocton, and Patty, Jacob, Eileen, Charles and Tony Vatter all of Warsaw; one great-grandson Maverick Moats; three sisters, Carole (Gary) Bantum of Warsaw, Sandra (Kenneth) Youngblood of Canton, and Karen (John) Weletyk of Akron; a brother, Dale Snyder of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his favorite mother-in-law, Patricia Dickey of Akron; favorite sister-in-law, Rhonda Guay of Akron; three brothers-in-law, Rick, Roger, and Randy Dickey all of Akron; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, Irvin H. Snyder & Jeanette E. (Taylor) Divan, he was preceded in death by two step-fathers, Samuel Croy, Sr. and Alpha E. Divan; his step-mother, Lucielle Snyder; a brother, Samuel C. Croy, Jr.; father-in-law, Lawrence Dickey; brother-in-law, Rodney Dickey; and a nephew, Mark Massaro.

Dave grew up in both the countryside in Warsaw & his grandpa’s farm in Suffield. He’s told many stories of his younger days on the farm and growing up around Warsaw with all the shenanigans he and his friends would get into. In 1955, David was in a car accident that left his leg crippled, although this never stopped him from completing his goals. He finished school, went on to college and worked as a design engineer until his retirement.

Dave was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. On April 2, 1977 he married Robin (Dickey) Snyder who survives him. Together they had two children, Ernie and Samantha. Later inheriting Jacob along the way. Despite the injuries Dave received from his accident as a teenager, he never let that slow him down. He was a hard worker his entire life, as well as an avid hunter and fisherman, even camping in a teepee. He often took his family camping, fishing or hunting and passed his love for camping and the wilderness down through the generations. And his grandchildren love camping and having spent time with him.

In his spare time Dave enjoyed painting and sketching. He was a fantastic artist and many of his pieces can be found around the community. He was often found in Ronnie’s Restaurant telling stories and visiting with old friends from his hot rod days as a Swiftshifter in the 50s. Dave was also a member of the American Model Railroad club for many years. Spending many of his Friday nights playing with trains and building models. He also volunteered at the Walhonding Valley Historical Society, spending many hours reminiscing with folks on the history of the area.

Calling hours will be held from 12-2 p.m. & 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m., with Rae Anderson officiating.

Dave truly was an inspiration and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Walhonding Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 199 Warsaw, OH 43844; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Category: Obituaries