William H. Snyder

William “Bill” Harrison Snyder, 97, departed this world to be reunited with his loving wife, Naomi, on August 8, 2021. Bill was born in rural Hoisington, Kansas (Barton County) on April 12, 1924, to James Charles and Minnie Mae (Eubanks) Snyder. He was the middle child in a robust family of five boys. Life on the dust-blown, Kansas plains was trying. Bill endured the Great Depression, dust storms, grasshopper and rabbit infestations and a meager existence that didn’t include running water or electricity. When Bill was 13, the family moved to a farmstead near Admire, Kansas where Bill and his four brothers earned their diplomas from Admire Rural High School.

With WWII on the horizon, Bill moved to Kansas City to support the war effort locally. He worked in a production factory building B-25 bombers until he was drafted into the Army Air Corp at the age of 19. Bill longed to be a pilot, but the Army Air Corp was no longer accepting pilot applications at the time of his enlistment. Determined to fight from the skies, Bill courageously volunteered to serve as an airborne gunner instead. Bill was assigned to serve as a right waist gunner on the formidable B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber. Bill and his crew arrived at their duty station of Foggia, Italy in late October 1944 and were assigned to the 774 ^th Squadron of the 463 ^rd Heavy Bombardment Group (HBG). They bravely flew their first mission on November 20 ^th , 1944 and completed 33 additional sorties over the European theater before the war ended. Following the victory in Europe, Bill and the 463 ^rd HBG were assigned to assist in the Homebound Task Force operation, transporting infantry troops from Naples to Casablanca. After safely returning home in 1945, Bill was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sargent.

Like many veterans of his era, Bill remained mostly quiet about his wartime experiences after returning home. It wasn’t until he attended a reunion organized by fellow Army Air Corp veterans that he began to tell his stories. In the 1980’s, a group of veterans of the 463 ^rd HBG began to organize annual reunions at locations all around the country. Bill and some of his crew mates even returned to his former duty station of Foggia, Italy to honor their fallen brothers. Even while carrying the tremendous sorrow of losing fellow crewmates, Bill always spoke fondly about how grateful and charming the local Italian citizens were to their American guests. Bill’s dedication and devotion to the men he served with was evident. During these reunions, Bill renewed many of his wartime friendships and formed new bonds with his fellow Airmen.  He and his wife, Naomi, steadfastly attended over 30 reunions over 35 years. Bill continued to attend these reunions through the age of 95. In later life, his children and grandchild attended many reunions by his side. His time in service was an immense source of both pride and humility. His quiet example of service, sacrifice and honor inspired one of his daughters and both of his grandchildren to continue his legacy by serving in the armed forces.

Just before leaving for the war, Bill had become better acquainted with a lovely young woman, Naomi Dickson, who just happened to live on the farm next door. They occasionally wrote letters throughout Bill’s time overseas. However, it wasn’t until the not-so-gentle push of his mother, Minnie Mae, that Bill finally asked out Naomi on their first official date, a movie at the local cinema. Their deep and adoring love was immediate. They were married June 5, 1948.   Not a day went by that their love for each other wasn’t evident. They were sincerely inseparable and very much in love for the entirety of both their lives.

Bill had a long and successful career with the Federal Land Bank Association in both Topeka and Emporia. Bill spent countless hours traversing rural Kansas roads, appraising land and meeting with farmers. Even at age 97, he could identify landmarks and provide directions to nearly any point in east-central Kansas. He spent 34 of his 38 years with Federal Land Bank Association as President and CEO of the Topeka and Emporia branches.

Bill led a vibrant and full life that included many hobbies and passions such as water skiing, camping, road tripping to visit relatives in Arizona and hosting social gatherings. Bill also found great enjoyment following Emporia State athletics, collecting unique coins and socializing with the “Rusty Zippers” club. After Bill retired, he and Naomi became frequent travelers, jet setting off to countless destinations around the globe. He was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of the Emporia Presbyterian Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Naomi; parents Charles and Minnie Snyder; brothers James, John, and Ernest Snyder; Dickson family in-laws Esther and Dud Lemke, Harold Symmonds, Ruth and Earl Symmonds Lyddane, Hiram and Maxine Dickson, Thomas and Margaret Dickson, and Augusta and Herschel Shepherd; and many life-long friends.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his survivors who include his daughters, Jana Snyder (Kerry Kapfer), Lawrence, Cheryl Snyder (Wesley Brown), Topeka, and Jeri Snyder, Topeka; grandchildren Kyle Brown (Stacey), Anchorage, Alaska and Kaitlyn Brown, Overland Park; brother Robert Snyder (Leona), Bella Vista, Arkansas; sisters-in-law Marian Snyder and Gladys Snyder; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Bill was a man of strong morality, determination and integrity. He will be deeply missed by many.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 14, at Roberts, Blue, Barnett Funeral Home Chapel in Emporia, with inurnment following at Reading Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at American Legion Post Ball-McColm Post 5. Memorial contributions may be made to Emporia Presbyterian Church or Emporia State University Foundation (Attn: ESU Veterans Memorial Scholarship) through Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.