Alan "Big Al" Snider

Alan “Big Al” Snider, 71, died Thursday, April 24, 2025. Al was born July 14, 1953, in Ellis, Kansas, to George and Martha Snider. He was a Railer at Ellis High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in geology from Fort Hays State University. Al married the love of his life, Rita Snider, and they shared more than forty-five years of “wedded bliss” (his words!). King of the one-liner and the corny joke, Al always had a quip at the ready. He could lift a heavy room with just a few words. He was a career public servant at the Kansas Corporation Commission where he was an environmental geologist. He took great pride in protecting the state’s underground drinking water. At home Al was in the kitchen cooking up a storm (usually successfully), doing “quality control” on the latest batch of cookies, or reading recipes and watching cooking shows in his blue recliner. But Al was in his element most in “GemStar,” his studio for silversmithing and rocks. Nearly every day Al could be found in his workshop next to his rock polisher, near the blow torch, or by his rock saw. If he wasn’t polishing or setting his newest creation - usually something involving turquoise - he was smoking a Chesterfield and thinking about his next piece. Family and friends remember Al for his non-judgmental nature and his quiet strength. He endured decades of MS with grace and resilience. Not one to grouse or complain, Al managed his condition with patience and calm, steady intention. Al is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Patrol Sergeant Kenneth Snider. He is survived by his wife; his sons, Jon Snider of Wichita; and Eric Snider and wife, Ali, and their children, Elise and Corinne of Raleigh, NC; his in-laws Mary Pat Aaron and husband, Kevin Jones of Wichita; Susan Aaron Moller and husband, Stephen of Woodinville, WA; Vincent Aaron and wife, Mary, of Wichita and son Aaron Coon of Belle Plain; Jaculin Aaron of Leawood, KS; and Martie Ross and husband, Philip of Leawood, and their children Jackson and Amelia; and his dog, Lucy. A Celebration of Alan’s life will occur at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891 (www.nationalmssociety.org).