John Philip Snider

John Philip Snider, 97, of Midland, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 17, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery, Midland, Texas.

The son of Luella Mae Hart and Eldon Kingdon Snider, John was born August 7, 1924, in Longdale, Oklahoma.  The Snider family lived in Spearman, Texas, before moving to Lubbock so that John could attend Texas Technological College.  After a year of college, John was drafted into the United States Navy to serve during World War II. There he was trained in the new radar equipment on the destroyer, USS John Hood.  John later organized many years of reunions of the USS John Hood crew.  After the War, John returned to Texas Tech and completed his engineering degree.  It was at Tech that he met his fraternity buddy’s date, the beautiful Marjorie Lou Morgan, at a dance.  John got the girl and John and Marjorie later married June 19, 1948.  John worked a few years for the Hobbs, New Mexico, power company and soon after began his career with the aerospace and defense contractor, Hughes Aircraft Company, living most of his working career in California.  John retired from Hughes in 1975 but then worked for ITT for several years after. He finally pulled the plug on working life in 1982.

John and Marjorie lived and raised their family in Van Nuys, California, beginning their travels in 1983.  They bought a fifth wheel and hit the road.  They travelled all over the United States with lengthy visits with their children and grandchildren.  They loved their travels, enjoyed the beautiful outdoors and the people they met along the way.  After several years of RV travel, they set up home base in Midland, Texas in 1989.  Marjorie died unexpectedly soon after in 1990.  John lived proudly and independently for all of his years.  He attested his good health and clear mind to daily walks and the occasional glass of red wine. Education was so important to John and Marjorie but they encouraged and funded many of their family to pursue higher education.  As a part of the greatest generation, John witnessed many changes over his 97 years, and he remained interested and current in today’s technology.

John is survived by his four children, Cathy Murphree (Rodney), Donna Guziak, Carla Townsend (Robert), and James Snider; seven grandchildren, Matthew Murphree, Michael Murphree, Jeffrey Guziak, Sara West, Holly Scudero, Kristopher Hendren,  Marjori Wooldridge; sixteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren .  He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Lorraine Fuchs (Joe), Dorothy Smith (Jim), and Rob Pezzoli (Ann).

He was preceded in death by his parents Luella and Eldon Snider, his wife Marjorie, and two sisters Patricia and Merrilyn.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.