Leonard Joseph Snyr

Leonard Joseph Snyr, 86, of Manitou Beach died May 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Leonard was born April 5, 1932 in Belleville, Michigan to Joseph and Helen (Pilot) Snyr. He was the youngest of 11 children.  Leonard was a proud Veteran of the Armed Services. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia from 1955-1957 in the 504th Military Police Battalion.  During his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Priscilla Lane (Sox) Snyr. Leonard worked as a tool and die maker for 25 years and he was employed at Republic Tool & Die, Hardy Reed, and Dura Corporation. He then worked as a prototype engineer for Ford Motor Company for 17 years, from which he retired in 1995.  Leonard was co-owner of Devils Lake Golf Course. He purchased the golf course with his brother, Henry, in 1970 and moved with his wife and family to Manitou Beach in 1974.  Three of Leonard’s six children partnered with Leonard when Henry retired from the business in 1993. The new partnership initiated the construction of an additional nine holes that opened in 1998. Leonard served as the golf course Superintendent through summer 2017. Golf was Leonard’s passion. He loved all aspects of working at the golf course and fellowship with customers, employees, and the general public.  Above all, Leonard was known for his love of family. He was proud that he and his five brothers served in the military (3 in active duty and 2 stateside during World War II) and he composed a historical memoir about their service that is now part of the Bellville Area Museum in Belleville, Michigan, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia, and the Military Heritage and Aviation Museum in Punta Gorda, Florida.  Leonard cherished his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He frequented his children’s and grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events and often shared their accomplishments with anyone that would listen!  Leonard will always be remembered for his personable disposition, warm smile, and loving heart. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Joseph Snyr, and eight siblings; Walter, Jenny, Sophie, Chester, Edward, Helen, Matthew, and Joseph. Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Priscilla Lane (Sox) Snyr, and six children; Ramona (Bob) Carmody of Manitou Beach, Wanda (Dave) Heinz of Clinton, Susan (Snyr) Coats of Tecumseh, Leonard (Carrie) Snyr of Tipton, Steve (Tonya Frankenhauser) Snyr of Manitou Beach, and Julie (Phil) Helinski of Addison.  Leonard is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  His brother, Henry (Beverly) Snyr of Manitou Beach and sister, Lillian (Jean) Carpenter of Mesa, Arizona also survive; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation for Leonard is at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  A Memorial Service will be held THE MILL EVENT CENTER, 230 N. MAIN ST., ONSTED, MI 49265, on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.  

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