Edward Joe Snider

Edward Joe Snider, age 90, of Tours, passed away early Tuesday afternoon, May 11, 2010 at his residence. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 4:15 p.m. Friday at St. Martin's Catholic Church, with the Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery near Tours, conducted by West V.F.W. Post 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Snider was born September 9, 1919 near Leroy, the son of Lewis and Rose (Deiterman) Snider. He attended school in Gerald. In service to his country, Edward joined the United States Army with the 41st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Armor Division serving during World War II where he was a prisoner of war and received numerous medals including a Bronze Star. After his return home from the army, Edward married the love of his life, Eleanor Julia Polansky on November 16, 1948 in Waco. Edward and Eleanor lived in the Bellmead area for several years and moved to Tours in 1962. He worked for General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco for over 36 years until his retirement in 1982. Edward was a farmer and rancher who enjoyed working the land and tending to his cattle. He was a faithful member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours. He was also a member of EX-POW's Chapter # 1; West Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4819; Waco American Legion Post; United Rubber Workers Union Local #312; Elk R.V.O.S. Lodge; and Elm Mott Geneva Hall where he worked for over 30 years. Edward was an avid fisherman and loved spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by a great grandson, Turner Hayes Uptmor; two brothers, Clement Snider and Louis Snider; and a sister, Annie Kreder. Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Eleanor Snider of Tours; a son, Edward Snider Jr. and wife Helen of West; three daughters, Rose Ann Chudej and Sonya Adamson and her husband Miles "PeeWee", all of West, and Donna Emmert and husband Edwin of Ennis; 10 grandchildren, Shane Snider, Shannon Snider, Kim Uptmor, Scott Chudej, Eric Chudej, Joshua Adamson, Hilary Clark and husband Samuel, Hugh Emmert, Landon Emmert, and Heath Emmert; 3 great grandsons, Cooper Adamson, Colton Clark and Jacob Claridy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Shane Snider, Scott Chudej, Eric Chudej, Joshua Adamson, Hugh Emmert, Landon Emmert, Heath Emmert, and Samuel Clark. Honorary pallbearers are Shannon Snider, Kim Uptmor, and Hilary Clark. Memorials may be made to the West Senior Center or St. Martin's Cemetery Association.