Roy Phillip Snell

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(1931-2016)

It is with saddened hearts we announce the passing of Roy Phillip Snell on Dec. 27, 2016. Roy was born in Byron in 1931, the fifth son of LeRoy and Bessie Snell.

In his younger years, Roy worked on the family farm and ranch, graduated from Byron High, where he was extremely active in sports, and served an LDS mission to the Eastern States Mission. He met his wife of 60 years, Marian Tuttle, of Cody, while attending Northwest Community College in Powell. They were married on July 6, 1956.

Roy joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, attended the Officer’s Training Program and the Municipal University of Omaha, now University of Nebraska-Omaha, completing a Bachelor of General Education. After several years in Strategic Air Command, he became a career rescue pilot flying the HC-130.

Roy’s career took the family to military bases in Guam, Bermuda, New Hampshire, and the Azores, Portugal. He spent one tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired as a Major from the US Air Force after his last tour of duty at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Upon retirement he continued his education with additional associates degrees from Weber State University. People may remember him from time he spent working for the IRS and the US Postal Service in the years following his military service.

With his natural curiosity, physical prowess, love of nature, Roy engaged in activities available to him throughout the years; diving for shells in Guam and Bermuda; scouring antique auctions and repairing treasured clocks in New Hampshire; always fishing, hunting, and sometimes golfing. Roy will be remembered by family and friends as someone who was happiest when flying a plane, repairing something broken, or learning something new. In his later years, he focused on strengthening relationships with his children and grandchildren and there are many beautiful memories of a gentle, caring soul who dearly loved his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Marian G. Snell (Tuttle); daughters, A. Kaye Moulding (LeRoy) and Pamala J. Snell (Ted Nolan); son, Eric D. Snell (Alisa Larson), along with 13 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Additionally, his siblings, Russ Snell (Pearl Ann), Ray Snell, Darwin Snell (Pat) and Maxine (Snell) Brinkerhoff will mourn his passing.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Bessie; brothers, Ivan, Hillman, and Cliff Snell; sisters, Cleo Snell and LaRue Snell Knowlden.

A private graveside service was held on Jan. 4, in Plain City, Utah.

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