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Robert Eugene “Gene” Snyder passed away on April 30, 2025. He was 71 years old.
Born on December 7, 1953, in Kingman, Kansas, to Rev. Dr. Don Snyder and Darlene Snyder, Gene lived a life marked by kindness, humility, and generosity. Raised in a home where music and faith were ever-present, Gene spent his early years in various Kansas communities—Hutchinson, Ellsworth, Medicine Lodge, and Arkansas City—each leaving a mark on his character and values.
Gene’s strong work ethic was evident from an early age. At just 9 years old, he began working on his grandfather’s farm, driving the wheat truck during harvest and helping with the demanding work of farm life. He continued to work there every summer throughout high school and college, gaining not only practical skills but also a deep respect for hard work and family heritage.
Gene attended high school in Arkansas City, where he excelled both in athletics and the arts. He lettered in Track and Football and was a proud member of the school band, playing trumpet. His musical talents were on full display when he marched in the 1970 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. He also sang in the Show Choir, revealing a vocal ability that complemented his growing musical passion.
Gene taught Earth and Physical Science and Special Education at Winfield High School for years while raising a family. He coached football but was best known as “Mean Gene”, coach of the swim team where he not only coached his sons but also multiple state championship winners. He officially retired from teaching in 2020 after teaching science for several years at Ponca City High School.
Music was at the heart of Gene’s life. Influenced by the diverse sounds that filled his childhood home, he picked up a bass guitar as a high school freshman, started his first band, and never stopped creating. While studying at Southwestern College in Winfield, Gene transitioned from bass to acoustic guitar, and eventually to the banjo—where his natural talent and joyful spirit truly shone in multiple bands and at the annual Bluegrass Festival in Winfield.
Gene was known for his unwavering generosity. He gave freely and without hesitation, always placing others before himself. Whether lending a hand, sharing a laugh, swapping stories, or offering a song, he enriched the lives of everyone around him. Above all, Gene was a family man. He was a loving and devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a joyful great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with his family. The love he gave will echo through generations.
Gene is survived by his wife Robin; daughter Stacie of Tonkawa, OK; son Zach and Carolann of Lee's Summit, MO; son Jeremiah and Molly of Broomfield, CO; daughters Nevaeh and Leah of Ponca City, OK; his brother Alan and Beth of Wichita, KS; his 5 grandchildren (Brendan, Isabelle, Hannah, Kaiden, and Liam), and his great-grandson Carson.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Gene’s legacy by performing a random act of kindness or sharing a favorite song with someone you love.
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