IL SR1349

John R. Snyder of Rushville passed away on June 15, 2014, and the Illinois Senate expresses condolences to his family and loved ones.

Snyder was born January 1, 1942, in Macomb and graduated from Brown County High School in 1960; he attended Culver-Stockton College and Parsons College.

Snyder served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, earned pilot and air traffic controller certifications at Fort Rucker, was a member of the Army's Golden Knights parachute team with over 2,000 jumps, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, and participated in the 1968 Military Olympics in Spain.

After military service, Snyder worked in insurance before becoming owner and administrator of Snyder's Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home in Rushville in 1973; he was also a licensed plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician.

Snyder was active in professional organizations including the Illinois Health Care Association and Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Association, civic groups including the Masonic Lodge and American Legion, and coached youth sports in Rushville.