Laurence Haggard Snively, 90, of New Braunfels, formerly of Big Spring, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 11, 2002, in New Braunfels. He was born on January 1, 1912 to Paul and Dora Snively in Colorado City, Texas, growing up there until leaving for college. His wife, Molly Reed, his parents, his brother, Robert Clark Snively, and his nephew, Robert Willbanks, preceded Laurence in death. Laurence was a graduate of John Tarleton Junior College. He then attended Texas Tech in Lubbock where he received a BA in Education and a MA in Music. Laurence was an accomplished coronet player. Following Texas Tech he attended the University of Colorado where he received a Doctorate in Psychology and taught for a year before entering military service. During World War II, Laurence served in the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. He was a Communication Security Officer on the staff of Admiral Nimitz, a position he retained until the end of the war. Laurence's military service was an important period of his life, providing him with many interesting stories from that time. Following the war he left active service but remained in the Naval Reserve until retirement. Following the war, Laurence moved to Pennsylvania where he became the Dean at Mansfield State College. It was in Pennsylvania that he met and married Molly Reed. Laurence and Molly both worked at Mansfield State College until their retimement. While Dean he was a student counselor doing extensive work in educational aptitude and psychological testing and maintained a small private practice. Traveling was an important part of his life while he was teaching and married to Molly. During their time together they traveled extensively in the United States and Europe during all seasons and also traveled to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and South America. Following the death of Molly in 1977, Laurence returned to Texas and settled in Big Spring where he began a second career. He was on the staff of the Big Spring Veterans Hospital, serving as the Chief Psychologist for ten years. Laurence was an active member of the 14th and Main Church of Christ where he taught the Men's Bible class. He was a dedicated 50 year member of the Lions Club and visited many chapters during his travels here and abroad, creating a large collection of chapter pins. He also served on the board of the Haven House, was president of Retired Teachers and was an active member of the Prospectors Club where he spent many hours working with the members looking for and cutting stones. Laurence leaves a legacy of kindness, honesty, generosity, humor and loyalty. He will be greatly missed by his sisters, Dora Paul Willbanks and husband, Maberry, of Big Spring and Anna Don Hardison of Houston. Laurence is also survived by nieces, Rhonda Ester and husband, Michael, of New Braunfels and Ann Dashiell of Houston; nephews, Paul Snively and wife, Peggy, of Clyde and Bill Hardison and wife, Linda, of Austin; five great nieces and one great nephew. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 14, 2002, at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rick Cunningham, minister of the 14th and Main Church of Christ, officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday at the Colorado City Cemetery, Colorado City, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Haven House, 2204 Runnels, Big Spring, Texas 79720, the American Cancer Society, % Lucy Bonner, P. O. Box 2121, Big Spring, Texas 79721-2121 or the charity of your choice. We will miss you Laurence. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Big Spring. www.npwelch.com,
