Howard L. "Howie" Snider

Muncie, IN

Howard L. "Howie" Snider, 84, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

Howie was born on April 23, 1932, in Muncie, Indiana, to Leslie and Teresa (Condon) Snider. From 1946-1950, he attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Fort Wayne and Our Lady of the Lake Seminary on Lake Wawasee. He was a 1950 graduate of Huntington Catholic High School.

Mr. Snider enlisted in the US Navy in 1952. In 1954, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and received his commission from the US Navy as an Ensign in 1956. During his time in the cadet program, he met the love of his life, Judith McKenzie. They married on May 28, 1954, in Long Beach, Mississippi. He later transferred to the US Marine Corps. As a Marine officer, he was featured in "Outstanding Young Men of America, 1966." He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972 after 16 years as an aviator and 20 years of service. His military decorations include two National Defense Service Medals, five Air Medals, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, and a Bronze Star Medal with distinction for valor in combat.

Howie was a national award-winning public speaker. He received his bachelor's degree from Ball State University, and later was an instructor in the university's journalism department from 1981 to 2004. He was a three-time recipient of the university's Instructor of the Year Award. Beginning in 1975, he co-owned and operated Shakey's Pizza, which later became Howie's Place. Howie and his family were featured in the 1982 Middletown Film Series documentary "Family Business."

Howie and Judy were avid gardeners, bird-watchers, and travelers. Howie was passionate about reading and writing, and was a published author. Howie was a dedicated and loving family man who passed on to his family a love of language, games and puzzles. He was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church and was an active member of his community.

His surviving family include his children: Leslie Snider, Lee Snider (Catherine), Lawrence Snider (Ronda), Lisa New, Lyndon Snider (Dawn), Lloyd Snider (Valerie), Lizbeth Green (Darren), and Laraine Tucco; 25 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Connie Meeks and Janice Martin, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judith, a son-in-law, James New, and a grandson, Jason Brown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Andrew Dudzinski at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 4, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2300 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Burial will follow at Elm Ridge Cemetery with Military Funeral Honors presented by the Delaware County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation for family and friends will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2016, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie, beginning with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church.

The family would like to sincerely express its thanks to Advantage Home Health Care, the staff and physical therapy department of Morrison Woods Health Campus, LifeStream Services, and the staff at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

Pitman-Richman Funeral Home of Eaton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.watersfuneralhomes.com to send a condolence or sign the guest book.