HAROLD JAY SNYDER
A famous writer once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”. If that is true, then Jay made a great life. Jay was a most giving person.
Harold J Snyder was born on April 2, 1920. He was the fifth child of Carl and Florence Snyder. Jay had three brothers and three sisters that preceded him in death.
Jay went to Bedford Community School, Bedford, IA and graduated with his high school diploma and teaching certificate. He began working for businesses in Bedford when he married his high school sweetheart Irene Cover on February 18, 1939. They moved to Diagonal where they opened a hatchery and produce station. When the hatchery closed, they opened a hardware store that later became Taylor Fiberglass. Irene preceded Jay in death in 2012.
Two children were born to this union, Liane Kay and Ronald Jay. Liane married Tom Austin and farmed in Diagonal, IA. Tom preceded Jay in death. Liane resides in Des Moines, IA and has three children, Steve, in Webb Lake, WI, Roni, in Norwalk, IA and Chad in Des Moines, IA. Ron married Bille Jean Rusk, of Mount Ayr, IA and resides in Norwalk, IA. They have two children, Dan, in Protem, MO and Nathan in Lexington, KY.
Jay was a Master Mason and a member of Taylor Lodge #156 in Bedford, IA. He was a third generation Mason. Joining Jay in the Fraternal Order is his son, Ron, and grandson, Dan.
Jay was known as Grandpa Jay to most everyone in the community. He enjoyed his five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Jay was community minded and served as president of the school board, mayor of the city, fire chief and used his station wagon as an ambulance service when someone needed transport to the area hospitals. If someone in the community was in need they always came to Jay for help. Jay did not know a stranger. He was loved and will be missed.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
Private graveside services will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, IA. In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family asks that you do random acts of kindness like Jay would do.
Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
