Franklin T. Snyder, 78, of Libby

Franklin T. Snyder, 78, lifelong resident of Libby, Montana, passed away at St John’s Lutheran Hospital on July 1, 2011.

Franklin was born in Libby Jan. 1, 1933.  Shortly after he moved to his Father’s homestead on Pipe Creek.    He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1957, stationed in Germany.  Although serving only a short time, he often spoke of the experiences and friends that he enjoyed in Germany.

He met Emily Joyce Domke, also of Libby, in 1954.  After serving in the Army, he returned to Libby and the two were married in 1957.  Franklin and Joyce had 5 children together and spent most of their lives near Libby Creek.

Franklin worked for the Libby lumber mill when it was still the J. Neils Lumber Co. in 1951.  He retired from Champion Lumber Company in 1993.

Franklin is preceded in death by his siblings Ada Flat, Helen Lawler, Lola Sichting, Harold Snyder, and Daniel Snyder.  He is survived by Alda Dudley of Plymouth Calif., Geneva Lybier of Libby, Lila Lucas of Tillamook,Oregon, and Raymond Snyder of Libby. He is also survived by his wife and his children Tony Snyder of Libby, Bradley Snyder of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Ryan Snyder of Libby, Strom Snyder of Folsom, Calif., and Jada Thom of Libby. 

Surviving grandchildren are Scott, Allan, Lana, Lena, Dillon, Ethan, Andrew and Victoria.  Surviving great grandchildren are Noah, Avie, Ryker, Rhiannon, and Shamus.

Franklin loved Libby, its mountains and its people.  He always said he would never leave and he never did.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday July 6, 2011, at the City of Libby Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home in Libby, Mont.