Snyder

Gary Lee “Pooner” Snyder, 81, of Harrisville, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Gary was born Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, and was the son to Victor Roy Snyder Jr. and Mary Louise Owen Snyder.

A 1963 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, Gary joined the U.S. Navy immediately following graduation. He proudly served his country for 8½ years in Naval intelligence and was a Vietnam-era veteran. Gary was a lifetime member and past commander of American Legion Post 852 in Harrisville. He was also a life member of Forestville United Methodist Church.

Following his military service, Gary spent his career as an over-the-road truck driver and later owned and operated Gary L. Snyder Trucking. After many years on the road, he retired in 2006. On July 10, 1982, Gary married Sandra L. Morrow in Forestville.

Gary enjoyed camping with his friend, the late Joe Phipps, and family, as well as hunting with his grandsons and fishing with his good friends, Larry and the late Ed Osburn. Family was an important part of Gary’s life, and he had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Brandon, Britton and Brienna. He affectionately called them his “Three B’s” and would often simply ask, “How are the Three B’s?” when wanting to know how they were doing.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Snyder; his two daughters, Treva J. (Doug) Simmons of Slippery Rock and Kelli L. Snyder of Slippery Rock; his stepson, Steven Mann; three grandchildren, Brandon M. (Abbey) Simmons, Britton L. Simmons and Brienna D. (Chaz) Simmons all of Slippery Rock; one great-grandchild, River M. Simmons of Slippery Rock; three sisters, Sherry A. Carlson of Grove City, Pamela S. (Curt) Watson of Boyers, and Karen L. (James) Anderson of Slippery Rock; one brother, Ronald J. (Patty) Snyder of Harrisville; his sister-in-law, Carole J. Snyder of Harrisville; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Roy Snyder Jr. and Mary Louise Owen Snyder; his sister, Nancy Snyder; his brothers, Jeffrey L. Snyder and Randall O. Snyder; his niece, Ashley A. Anderson; and his mother-in-law, Maude A. Morrow.

SNYDER — Family of Gary Lee “Pooner” Snyder, who died Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at Forestville United Methodist Church, 124 Boyers Road, Forestville, Pa. with Pastor Kendra Balliet presiding.

Interment will follow at Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forestville United Methodist Church and/or to American Legion Post 852.

Arrangements are under the direction of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Slippery Rock.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.