Larry Dean Snyder, 77, of Greensburg passed away at his residence surrounded by family on January 6, 2021 at 12:29 pm from complications of Alzheimer’s. He was born on June 13, 1943 in Bartholomew County, son of Dallas and Buelah DeSpain Snyder.
Larry joined the Army August 1961 to August 1964. He joined the Decatur County Sheriff Department in 1968 to 1971 as a deputy under Clinton (Bud) Tucker, and January, 1971 to 1975 under Ed Schwendeman. Larry then ran for Sheriff and was elected from 1975 to 1979 and was reelected from 1979 to 1983. He served as a deputy from the next four years under Ralph Meer. In 1983 he ran for Sheriff again and served for the next 8 years.
Larry retired from office in 1995, he was the only Sheriff in Decatur County to serve two 8 year terms and served proudly for 28 years.
Larry belonged to the Westport Mason Lodge since 1981, the American Legion of Westport since 1988. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and was Optimist of the Year twice.
Larry married Jeanette Manlief and they had three children, Son, Larry Ray, Son, Steven and Daughter, Buffy. He later married Barbara West in 1987, they were married 33 years until his death.
Larry’s hobbies were playing Horseshoes, and softball with other police and fire departments. After retirement he collected baseball cards and Indiana artifacts with his son’s. He also enjoyed playing golf with his best friend Clarence Wills and his sons at Wyaloosing Creek Golf Course Larry and his wife loved camping and going to antique shops and flea markets.
Survivors include, wife Barbara Snyder of Greensburg, sons, Larry Ray (Karrie) of Westport and Steven (Amanda) Snyder of Greensburg, daughter, Buffy Snyder of Columbus, brothers, Don (Marie) Snyder of Westport, Jack (June) Snyder of Greensburg, Rick Snyder of New Point, 5 grandsons, Larry Kenneth Snyder of Tennessee, Brandon Snyder of New Palestine, Travis Barr of Greensburg, Dustin Barkdull of Greensburg, Zomaice Barr of Indianapolis, two great granddaughters Sophia of Tennessee and Aleigh of Indianapolis, several nieces and nephews, one step daughter Angela (Kevin) Arnett of Sandusky, 2 step grandchildren, Jazmine McDonald and Derick Arnett, both of Sandusky, one step great grandson, Thomas Walters of Rushville. He was preceded in death by his parents Dallas and Buelah Snyder, one sister June Deaton and one grandson Hayden Zapfe.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gilliland Howe Funeral Home on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 10:30 until the time of the Funeral at 1:30 pm. The funeral will also be available on the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home Facebook Page. All visitors will have to wear a mask and observe social distancing, all public visitation guidelines are subject to change based on current Board of Health restrictions. Rev. Don Bates will be officiating. Burial will follow at the South Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com