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Joe "J.W." Wesley Snelson, 97, of Wann, went home to his heavenly home on Friday, September 16, 2022.
J.W. was born March 8, 1925, east of Wann, to William J. and Ruth Lottie (Martin) Snelson. He attended school through junior high. During his youth, J.W. and his siblings were active in 4-H, because their mother encouraged the activity. Early in his high school years, J.W.'s father passed away so he decided to quit school in order to earn money for his family. In 1941 he went to work for Sam Evans who was a prominent farmer/rancher in the Wayside area.
J.W. purchased a farm west of the Wann Cement Top House, where he built a house for his grandparents. Later he bought land north of Wann to farm and build his own home. He had a generous spirit and helped many people in his life. His brother, Jack, said J.W. helped him buy land to get started farming. J.W. also worked at Continental Can, where he was a purchasing agent.
Lion's Club was a very large part of J.W.'s life. He was a charter member of the Wann Club and recruited numerous members over the years. Mr. Snelson planned many community activities with the Club that included a Prairie Chicken Hunt, Pancake Feed, Christmas party complete with Santa, Turkey Shoot and even a Wann Rodeo at the city park. Attending State and National Conventions were special activities he enjoyed. J.W. hosted cookouts at his home on many occasions. After the Wann chapter dissolved, J.W. joined the Dewey Lion's Club.
J.W. took care of his elderly mother for many years and met Pat, a longtime friend of his mom, when she would come over to lend a hand. He fell head over heels and the couple married when J.W. was the young age of 50. Pat was the love of his life; the couple enjoyed 45 years together, which included traveling and lots of visitors. His family fondly remember numerous family gatherings. He loved having family reunions and his family said J.W. and his mom, Ruth, were always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
For the last several years, Mr. Snelson's nephew, Sid Walker, has devoted much of his time to keeping a smile on his uncle's face, as he made J.W. a priority in his life.
J.W. is survived by his stepchildren, Mark, David and Bob Shelton; a brother, Jack Snelson; four nephews, Wayne Snelson and his wife Kathy, Don Snelson, Steve Snelson and his wife Pam, and Sid Walker; two nieces, Barbara Ogan and her husband Doug, and Lynn Montgomery and her husband Kenny; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, J.W. was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Rhodes Snelson; a brother, William Snelson; and sister, Florence Walker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dewey Lions Club, P.O. Box 544, Dewey, OK 74029.
Visitation will be held from 10-8 Thursday, September 22, at the Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, September 23, at the Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Coffeyville, KS. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
Graveside Service
SEP 23. 2:00 PM
Fairview Memorial Cemetery
2602 Woodland Avenue
Coffeyville, KS 67337
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