Richard L. Snider
May 3, 1939 to November 7, 2019
Richard L. Snider passed away on November 7, 2019 at his home in Johnston, Iowa. He was born May 3, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa to Frank Leon and Emma Pauline Snider. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, with visitation/reception at 9:00 a.m. and funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Lincoln Cemetery in Granger.
He loved God and church. Growing up, his family was very active in First Church of the Open Bible and he cherished the memories of church fellowship and friends from time spent there. As an adult, he attended New Hope Assembly and Westkirk Presbyterian, until his health no longer allowed it.
A 1956 graduate of Granger High School, he served in the Army National Guard from April 1958 until April 1961, training in Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. Dick had a variety of occupations, but his dream was to be a police officer. He worked hard to pass the required tests and achieve that goal, joining the Des Moines Police Department in July, 1966, just in time for the racial unrest the country was facing. Serving as an Officer from 1966 until 1984, he was forced into retirement due to heart issues.
If it had a motor, he was interested. If it had a Hemi, he was in love. His fascination with vehicles was lifelong. He began driving a semi when young and enjoyed hauling gas for DX in the 60’s. Whether a boat, squad car, police scooter, semi for Farmland or a school bus for Johnston School District, it mattered not, as long as it would run.
He enjoyed traveling and for many years rode his Goldwing near and far, the only deviance from his Chrysler/Dodge love affair, unless it counts that he was a Jeff Gordon fan. The meticulous care he gave each vehicle was part of his joy.
He is survived by Denise; his daughters, Debra (Paul) Anderson of Anthem, AZ and Julie (Ron) Tarallo of Rolesville, NC. Other survivors include, seven grandchildren: Amber (Brandon) Russell, Waverly, NE, Maddie (Jake) Kellici, Jacob Anderson and Emma Anderson (Danny Vetere) all of Anthem, AZ, Vanessa, Calli and Marisa Tarallo of Rolesville, NC; six great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy Whisler of Fairfax, VA; nephews, Mark (Nancy) Whisler of Oakton, VA, Greg (Kelley) Whisler of Annandale, VA; cousin, Linda Kilbourne of Johnston, IA; and his beloved bichons, Nicky and Emma.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dan Whisler.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
