Marvin Snyder – WHS Class of 1939 – September 08, 2011

Marvin Snyder passed away Thursday September 8th, 2011.  He was born May 02,1921 in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Winslow, Indiana where his parents Joe and Bessie Snyder established Snyder’s Department Store.  

Marvin was a graduate of Winslow High School, Class of 1939,  and later graduated from IU majoring in accounting and was awarded magna cum laude. He was a lifetime IU football fan. Marvin proudly served his country during WWII with the U S Army.  He enlisted and trained in Little Rock Arkansas and was then assigned to the 172th Field Artillery Battalion attaining the rank of T/4 (Computer Fire Director). He participated in the following battles and campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. His decorations included the EAME Theater Ribbon with 5 bronze stars.  The American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal. 

After the war he partnered with his parents at their department store Snyder’s in Winslow, Indiana. Snyder’s became a retail fixture of the tri-state area. His sister Charlotte and mother Bessie managed the clothing / dry goods section. While his father Joe Snyder, Marvin and Charlotte’s husband Irving Eskind managed the sales and service of fine furniture, appliances and carpeting. 

Sadly, Snyder’s Department Store was consumed by a devastating fire in 2003, just 13 years short of its 100th anniversary. After the fire Marvin retired , rebuild some of the ruins to accommodate the new Winslow Market grocery store, and donated the entire building and property to the City of Winslow. 

The Snyder family is well known for its philanthropy. Marvin’s father Joe Snyder contributed to the building of the Church of the Nazarene in Winslow. Marvin was involved with many local organizations including the Winslow School Board and Winslow National Bank as well as PCARC and the Pike County Foundation. 

He was a 50 year or longer member of many national organizations including the Hadi Shrine, American Legion , Kiwanis, and numerous religious organizations. He was a charter member of the Holocaust Museum in Washington , DC. 

Marvin had a Lifetime passion for the game of golf and for many years enjoyed the areas golf courses. Up until his recent illness he could often be found enjoying the Oakland City Golf course with his friends. Marvin never married . 

His lifelong friend, Carolyn Buechele, preceded him in death. They both shared a mutual passion for each other and the game of golf. Marvin is survived by his sister Charlotte’s son Larry Eskind, niece Sonja Eskind, grand nephew and niece Erik Eskind and Becky Brennen as well as two great grand nieces, Linnea and Vendela Eskind and great grand nephews Gavin and Ryan Brennen.

 If you wish to make a donation in his honor, please do so at your local church or favorite charity (such as PCARC, PAWS or the local Food Bank or schools, the Winslow Senior Center , IU or the City of Winslow). Visitation was Sunday September 11, 2011 between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Curtis Funeral Home 300 N. Walnut Street Winslow, IN. 47598 (812)-789-2442.   A Masonic Service was held Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Graveside services were conducted Monday, September 12, 2011 at Anshei Sfard Cemetery, Louisville, KY.  Meyer and Son Funeral Home of Louisville, KY was in charge of arrangements and burial at Louisville.