Henry Snyder

Henry W. Snyder, 96, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Louis Catholic Church by Father John Guzaldo. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The Rosary will be 6 p.m. Sunday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., followed by visitation starting at 6:30 p.m.

Henry was born in Waco, three weeks after his father, Henry William Snyder, died. His mother, Mary Josephine (Mamie) Snyder, was left to raise him, his brother Charles (Charlie) Hannum who was 13 years old, and sister Catherine Winifred (Winnie) Snyder that was 3 years old.

Henry became a Boy Scout leader while in his late twenties and led the scouts until he was drafted into the Army in 1943. Many of the scouts were also soon drafted. When they returned from the war their friendships continued and the bond remained over 65 years. Henry particularly mourned the death of Jack Tucker who lost his life serving his country.

Henry dropped out of school when he was 14 and got a job at JS Barnet Printing for $6.40 a week, working with his brother Charlie. He was still there when he was drafted into WW II. He came home to continue as a printer with Charlie, who worked there until he retired. Henry worked for Barnet for a while longer. He was asked in 1965 to become the managing director of the Waco Civic Theater at the age of 51.

Henry's first trip out of Texas was in 1943 to California for basic training. The Army then sent him to New Jersey which allowed him to visit New York City on leave. This was the first of literally hundreds of trips there. When he took the position at the Waco Civic Theater he began to travel to NYC often and was at home in Manhattan much like a native New Yorker. In 1980 he went to Europe for the first time with his great niece, Monica, to England and Italy. Much travel followed this initial trip to Europe and Asia.

Over the years Henry had a passion for theater. He was in many plays and also directed plays for the Catholic Youth Organization, Reicher High School, and Waco Civic Theater. As managing director he put on six plays a year at the WCT. He felt the best play that he directed was The Price for WCT. Henry retired in 1987 at the age 73 after 22 years of service to theater lovers of Waco. The auditorium was dedicated to him. When he left WCT three people were hired to take his place.

Henry's family remained very important to him. His tight bond with his mother, brother and sister was evident. His love of theater, movies, art and painting have been passed on to his loved ones.

Henry was baptized at St. Mary's of the Assumption and was a member there until St. Louis Parish opened. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1934. Henry faithfully attended daily mass for many years, leading the Rosary afterwards.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Hannum and wife Martha; sister: Catherine Winnifred Snyder Tate; and nephew and nieces, Timothy Tate, Charlene Bachik, and Laura Bachik Mootz.

He is survived by nephews and nieces, Henry Tate, Catherine Tate Lightfoot, Mark Bachik, Alan Bachik, and Brian Bachik; great nephews and nieces, Catherine Monica Tate, Timothy Lightfoot

Heather Lightfoot King, and Courtney Elizabeth Tate George; great-great nieces and nephews, Jessica, John Henry and Olivia Lightfoot, Josephine and Audrey King, Brandon and Ryan Bachik, Amanda Mootz, Alexander Bachik, and Daylan and Lauren Bachik, and also by his many beautiful friends and the wonderful people at Lakeshore Village.

Pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus, and honorary pallbearers will be Boy Scout Troop 26: Mike Cuscurida, Tommy George, Francis Dudek, Bland Brown, Ernest Simcik, Ed Fulbright, and in spirit: Sammy Oliver, Flop Ivy, Jimmy Jamison, Lloyd Fulbright, Jack Tucker, Wilbur Seay, Dudley Pierce, and Gene Selle.

Lunch will be 1 p.m. Monday at the St. Mary's of the Assumption Parish Hall, 1424 Columbus Avenue.

Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Elementary School, 2208 N. 23rd Street, Waco 76708.