Lloyd Snyder

Lloyd Snyder was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa who worked hard each day to provide for his family. He found the reward for his effort in the accomplishments of his children and grandkids. His family was his greatest treasure, and he was the happiest in their loving company.

With the outbreak of the First World War, thousands of young soldiers crossed the Atlantic Ocean to fight for the Allied cause. Newspapers printed the latest information on the war, and citizens throughout the nation speculated on its outcome. In Cedar Springs, Michigan, Guy Snyder and his wife, Hazel, focused on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on April 9, 1916 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Lloyd.

Lloyd grew up with the company of his brother, Merville. In his early years, the family moved to the Galewood area of Wyoming, Michigan. He attended Lee High School, where he formed many valuable friendships. In the summer he returned to Cedar Springs to work on the Sipple family farm. He and his uncle, Harold Sipple, become longtime friends and they enjoyed working the fields together.

Lloyd was a young adult when the Great Depression hit. This time of scarcity trained him to work hard and live frugally. After high school he began working at National Brass, which later became Dexter Lock. During World War II he was medically deferred from service. He continued to work at Dexter Lock, but he wished that he could serve his country overseas. He worked extra hours to contribute to the war effort. As a salaried employee, he was always willing to work late when it was needed. Lloyd worked for Dexter Lock for more than forty years before retiring. He was well-respected, and he formed many friendships with his coworkers.

In his free time Lloyd enjoyed bowling. After one particular day at the lanes, he met a young woman named Elaine Swanson while driving home. They met for their first date just a few days later and soon began dating. They were married on October 24, 1942. This was the first chapter of marriage that lasted sixty-two years.

Lloyd and Elaine were blessed with three children, Sandra, Vern, and David. While Lloyd worked to provide for his family, Elaine tended to the house and raised the children. In the evenings Lloyd worked on one of the several houses that he built for his family. He did most of the work himself. When the project was nearly complete, he would move into the house to polish the details. Lloyd was a skilled craftsman, and he enjoyed the work. He also built a cottage on Cobb Lake where the family spent many summers.

Although Lloyd was a busy man, he occasionally found time to explore his hobbies. For many years he went hunting and ice-fishing with his uncle Harold. In the summertime he taught Elaine how to fish, and throughout the year they enjoyed going dancing. During the baseball season, he would schedule his evenings around the Tigers games. He enjoyed reading, especially Western novels and historical non-fiction. In later years he developed an interest in refinishing furniture.

Lloyd’s personality softened with age. Although he retained his firm work ethic, he found more time to spend with his loved ones. He was thrilled to see his family grow with the blessing of six grandchildren and two great-grandkids. He loved spending time with the youngest members of the family. On holidays, especially Christmas, he enjoyed taking the entire family out to a special dinner.

With retirement Lloyd and Elaine spent more time together. They shared an interest in travel, and they went on many special vacations over the years. Their most memorable trip was to Sweden, where they visited Elaine’s family. Years later, he still talked about all the fun that they had.

When Lloyd was in his late eighties, his wife’s health began to fail. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Instead of sending her away for care, Lloyd worked hard to make her comfortable at home. He purchased a van to make it easier to transport her. Although he spent his days caring for Elaine, he never considered it a chore. Lloyd was an excellent example of how a person should care for his spouse. Her death was very difficult for him, and he kept the house very similiar to better remember her.

In recent months Lloyd’s own health began to decline. He decided to give up driving, a difficult choice for him. He was the type of man who savored his independence and enjoyed going out and doing things. Lloyd treasured his family, which he always regarded as his greatest achievement. Among the many people who loved him, he will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Lloyd died on July 9, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Elaine, in 2004. Lloyd is survived by his children Sandra Brooks, Vern and Sue Snyder, David and Vicki Snyder; grandchildren Christopher Brooks, Andrew and Julie Snyder, Kevin Snyder, Kurt and Kate Snyder, and Kelly Snyder; great grandchildren Shelby and Elaina Snyder; and his friends Marti and Pat Fitzpatrick and family, and Colleen Reed who have greatly helped during the last few years. Friends may spend time with the Snyder family on Wednesday, July 11 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. A private family graveside service will be held. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Hospice of Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. Please visit Lloyd’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the online register.