Richard Joseph Snyder

Boonville - Richard Joseph Snyder, 75, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his loving family on Monday January 12th, 2026, after a brief and courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer,. He was born on May 9, 1950, in Lowville, New York, to Robert Leroy Snyder and Eva Mae (Robbins) Snyder.

At the age of 17, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and remained both deeply proud and humbly grateful to be a veteran throughout his life.

On April 28, 1979, Richard married the love of his life, Marcia Rose Champion. Together they raised six children. Richard was a devoted father to Leanne (Brad) Tillman, William (Janie) Snyder, Edward (Carrie) Champion, Sharra (Bryan) Dole, and Samuel Champion. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Keisha Champion.

Richard had a profound love for the Lord Jesus and a passionate heart for evangelizing. He shared his faith openly and joyfully, touching countless lives with encouragement, wisdom, and steadfast belief. Known for his kooky sense of humor and natural ability to be the center of attention, he filled every room with laughter. His animated storytelling, expressive hands, and unmistakable smile made people feel instantly at home.

He was also a loving grandfather whose greatest joy was teaching scripture, fishing, gardening, and the value of living with purpose. An avid little trout fisherman, he cherished time by the water and delighted in watching a child reel in their first catch.

Richard lived close to the land and found healing in sowing, growing, and eating his homegrown vegetables and fruit. A wealth of horticultural knowledge, he could often be found in flannel shirts, suspenders, and his well-worn cap tending rows of vegetables, rinsing freshly pulled produce, or walking visitors through his garden—always sending them home with a bag of seasonal vegetables, especially garlic. Giving and serving were simply his way of life.

Family meant everything to Richard. His love language was quality time and acts of service. He treasured time with his nieces and nephews, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, gardening, and sharing stories with them. He passed down skills, traditions, and faith, taking genuine joy in investing time and attention in each of them. He was often found at the center of family gatherings, arms open wide, surrounded by generations who loved him. His home was warm, welcoming, and full of everyday moments—popcorn on the table, laughter in the room, and children gathered close. He lived simply, humbly, and generously, always happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marcia Rose Snyder; his children, Leanne (Brad) Tillman, William (Janie) Snyder, Edward (Carrie) Champion, Sharra (Bryan) Dole, and Samuel Champion; his brothers, Fred (Ann) Snyder and his twin brother James Snyder; his sisters, Rosemary Ramsey and Shirley (Terry) Kress; his 13 grandchildren; and many treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Eva Mae Snyder and Robert Leo Snyder; his brother, Louis Snyder; and his daughter, Keisha Champion, all whose memories he carried in his heart.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Boonville Alliance Church, 12593 Potato Hill Road, Boonville, Saturday January 17th. Visitation 9 am to 11am with funeral to follow. A time of celebration and fellowship will follow at the Boonville VFW. All are welcome. His family invites the entire community to come celebrate his larger-than-life personality, as all who knew him will deeply feel the void left now that he has departed this earth. Richard touched countless lives, and nearly everyone has a story to share—he made meaningful connections everywhere he went and we truly hope to mourn and celebrate him with you. Interment with full military honors will be held this spring in Boonville Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where online messages of sympathy and cherished memories may be shared at www.trainorfuneralhome.com.