Johnny Joe "John" Snyder

Johnny Joe "John" Snyder lost his battle with colon cancer and heart failure and passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was born November 3, 1965 at Sheltering Arms Hospital in Athens, Ohio. On the day of his birth, his Uncle Joe sent him a telegram welcoming him to the world and since they now shared a birthday, they would forever share that bond.

John joined the US Army and served on Active Duty in Germany as well as in the Ohio Army National Guard and was recalled a few times for Gulf War duties. He was a member of: Son of the American Revolution, First Families of Athens County Ohio, American Legion (lifetime member), Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Association, Masons, and Ohio Historical Society.

He held two advanced degrees in Archeology and Nursing. He worked for a Methodist Church, Ohio University, Hocking College, an Armored Car Company, Ohio Department of Corrections, and as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) working in elder care.

John loved to read, learn, and help others. Many of his friends played D&D with him throughout the years. He was always up for sharing his love of good food, fun, and fellowship (sorry, but there were no rings). He made friends all over. He happily traveled and was always willing to learn from or teach others. He became a child of the world, going and doing until he couldn’t.

John struggled with PTSD from both his past and military service, which haunted him throughout his life. These issues lay heavily upon his mind, body, and spirit. It got so torturous he sought out therapy and required medication to make his daily life and sleep possible. After his first heart attack in January of 2024, it seemed to tip his mental health sideways, along with the stresses of finalizing his divorce in August of 2024. Yet he pushed on due to his military training of “just rub dirty on it, you’ll be fine” mixed with his Minotaur like bull-headed nature to pushed on.

Then in January 2025, he had second heart attack and a formal diagnosis of Hearth Failure, diabetes, and Stage 4 Colon Cancer. At this point, his old friend Alexandra “Alix” (James) Fraser stepped into kindly say, “OK lunkhead, you are no longer in charge of your health care, because clearly you suck at it.” Their quirky friendship of 43 years allowed her to be blunt with him.

Alix was laid off in April of 2025, which was a mixed blessing, because it allowed her to spend the last year making sure John made it to doctors’ appointments, surgeries, ER visits, and so on. It also allowed her to make sure Abigale “Abby” (John’s youngest) was being taken care of, from school, appointments, etc. Since John was not always feeling physically to drive Abby to and from school. John spent the last year as a regular fixture at the Veterans Affairs Clinic and Ohio Health locations in Columbus, Ohio. He put up a brave face and told us all people and doctors the right words. But those of us on the front lines with him noticed a change. The battle for his body was mostly fought in his mind, and the PTSD riddle battlefield was a minefield of problems and stressors he had not fully dealt with. Thereby it was likely too complex to escape in the end. Without a clear head to help guide him through the illnesses, he got caught in the quagmire of his mind which played a major role in his declining health. It is hard to watch a warrior fight against an invisible foe you are unable to assist them with. Just know the battle is now over and you may rest.

Rest well old friend. May your mind be calm, your heart light, and your troubles be gone for this part of your journey has ended. Your Dungeon Party will raise a glass in your honor, as will your family and friends. You will be missed but never forgotten. We all wish you peace at last. Goodbye old friend, you were loved by many.

John made Alix promise to protect and care for his children. Then when he was gone, he wouldn’t need to worry about them. The night before he passed, she told him,

“Your father loves you and is proud of you. Your mother loves you and is proud of you. You are loved. Many people care about you. We all just want you to be at peace. Everyone will be taken care of for you.” He passed peacefully roughly 8 hours later.

John was preceded in death by his sister Rhoda Snyder, and both the Wildman and Snyder grandparents. He is survived by both of his parents Patrica Snyder nee Wildman and John C. Snyder, his two daughters Abigale “Abby” Snyder and Rebecca “Matty” Snyder, and his beloved stepdaughter Katrisha Rayburn; he was so proud of all the children and family members. Two of his oldest friends Paul Brinkley and Alexandra “Alix” (James) Fraser along with family and many other friends, we shall all miss John.

Best advice I have been given this last year ask the question:

What do you need to be: Heard, Helped, or Hugged?

It helps in most of life’s harder moments.

Be compassionate to one another and may you find peace in your lifetime.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home of Athens where a funeral service will be held at 1PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 with Tina Fraser officiating. Burial will follow in Hilltop Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 21, Albany VFW Post 9893, and the Patriot Guard Riders of Ohio. You may call upon the family on Friday from 10AM until the start of the service. Those who wish to sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy may do so at www.ehwfh.com.