Gordon Ellis Snyder

Gordon Ellis Snyder was born August 30, 1943, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Rex and Helen Snyder.

Gordon graduated from Kansas State with a degree in Architectural Design. Following college, he attended the Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) and then served with the Army Adjutant General Corps during the Vietnam conflict.

After his time in the Army, Gordon worked as an architectural designer, then later attended Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He earned two Master’s degrees in Divinity and Theology. He served as a pastor in the Baptist General Conference for nine years, leading churches in White Rock, British Columbia, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Colorado Springs. Gordon had been serving as an Air Force Reserve Chaplain, but returned to active duty as a USAF Chaplain when given that opportunity. His assignments took him to the Philippines and Turkey, as well as to several states across the U.S. During his service in the Air Force, Gordon served overseas in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and as a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery during the events of 9/11. Gordon retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel (O-5) from the U.S. Air Force in 2002, having earned a Master’s degree in education from Old Dominion in Virginia. With that he worked another six years as a math teacher in the Colorado Springs public schools.  

Gordon married his wife of forty-six years, Sonja, on June 2, 1973. He is survived by his wife, his four children—Johann (Kay and two daughters in Albuquerque, NM); Katrina (Jason, two daughters and a son in St. Louis, MO); Anders (Jessica, three daughters and a son in Nampa, ID); and Dane (Kristen in Napa, CA)—his sister Regina and the families of his two nephews and two nieces. 

He died on September 6, 2019, at the Idaho St. Veterans’ Home from his 100% service-connected Parkinson’s disease. He passed peacefully and in the presence of his loving family.

Gordon E. Snyder was faithful to his God, he was faithful to his country, he faithfully loved his wife, he faithfully supported his family, and he was a faithful friend. “And without faith, it is impossible to please [God]” (Hebrews 11:6). Thus, Gordon entered his well-deserved rest hearing his Master saying, “..well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church Nampa on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gordon Ellis Snyder, please visit our floral store.