David Snetsinger
David Snetsinger, long-time resident of Webster Groves, died peacefully on November 23, 2014 with family by his side. David was born in Barrington, IL on April 22, 1930 and grew up a farm boy. He and his two brothers, Don and Bob, were involved with the 4-H club and helped their parents, Helen and Clarence Snetsinger, with their Lake Zurich farm and picnic grove. He regularly expressed gratitude and respect for the model his parents provided in being active and leading community members.
David met his first wife, Phoebe Burnett Snetsinger, in 4-H club when they were preteens. They married after they graduated from college and then raised four children. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, and was dedicated to his family. He supported his first wife Phoebe as she became an international birdwatcher and eventually went on to achieve the world’s record for most bird species seen.
David’s positive influence was felt wherever he became involved. He was a 1st lieutenant in the army and received the Bronze Star Medal in recognition of his exemplary service. After the army, he earned a Ph.D. in animal nutrition from the University of Illinois which led to his career with Purina Mills where he made substantial contributions in the field of poultry nutrition, eventually serving as Vice-President of Animal Research. His interest and enthusiasm about chickens crossed over to David’s other passion in life, magic and ventriloquism. He became known for his egg-strordinarily unique act featuring colored silks, matching colored egg yolks and his favorite ventriloquism figure, a large chicken named Henrietta.
David followed in the footsteps of his parents and throughout his life actively served in his community in a variety of capacities. He was President of the Poultry Science Association, Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and was active in Eliot Unitarian Chapel of Kirkwood. He performed his magic shows for children in the hospital and senior groups.
After his first wife died, David was blessed with another chance at love. What started out as just a ride to the car dealer from his long-time neighbor, Barbara Redmond, quickly blossomed into a warm and loving relationship. David and Barbara made the most of their years together, enjoying their shared passion of travel. David suffered from Alzheimer’s disease at the end of his life, but even with the difficulties of that disease, continued to share his love and humor. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and were loved by him, with gratitude for the kind and gentle soul he was.
David is survived by his wife, Barbara Redmond, four children, Penny, Tom, Marmot, and Susan and their spouses, his 4 grandchildren, brothers Bob and Don and their wives Wendy and Darlene, as well as Barbara’s children Cindy, Jennifer, Tim, Greg, Kelly, and Melissa and 10 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending any memorial contributions to the St. Louis Alzheimers Association, SSM Hospice and Home Care Foundation, or other charitable organization of your choice. A service will be held at 5 pm on December 7th, 2014 at Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor, Kirkwood, MO.
Hi Marmot, I am thinking of and loving you, Nancy and Zoe . I hold close the rest of your family.
May you experience the goodness of grace and peace as you enter a new phase of your life: without parents.
A beautiful obit and video. Am proud to know one of his daughters!
safe travels, b
Marmot, Susan and your whole family– I’m so sorry for your loss of David, your great Dad. I take comfort in knowing how much you are his children, and are carrying on his wonderful spirit in your own bodies and those of your children.
Blessed Be…
With Big Love,
Cassandra
Dear Marmot and family
my heart goes out to you at this time. Prayerful thoughts or the family.
affectionately, Dolores
What a sensitive and loving obituary. Our most sincere condolences on the passing of a beloved father, husband, grandfather and friend. I hope the memories of your time together bring you peace and comfort.
What a sensitive and loving obituary. Our most sincere condolences on the passing of a beloved father, husband, grandfather and friend. I hope the memories of your time together bring you peace and comfort.
With great love,
Caroline and family
Dear Penny, Tom, Marmot & Sue,
I ‘m sorry to hear your papa died. He was a good man. I remember him as:
soft spoken, kind hearted, funny, intelligent and quite a magician.
I know death is a part of life, but I wish it wasn’t such a sad occasion.
My prayers and hugs are with you.
Love,
Elizabeth Tucker
I worked for Dave for 12 years when I was at Purina Mills. He was a wonderful boss and had great leadership skills. Because of him, I, too, got involved with the Poultry Science Association and went on to become President , as he did. He was a great scientist and helped me further my career.
Thanks, Dave, for all of your contributions and influence. You will be missed!
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful man. I worked for him at Purina Mills, where I met and married Henry (Hank). We saw him a few years ago when we were home in St. Louis. He was very proud of his family, which he lovingly expressed in his annual Christmas letter. God Bless you all.
Dave was a great scientist and employee for Purina. More importantly he was a fine person. He will be missed.
It was a wonderful experience to have known and worked with Dave. He was one of the very best. My prayers to all the family.
We were so blessed to have had Dave as a neighbor. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He carried himself with humility, dignity and honor with never an unkind word.
Rest well dear friend.
Mary Ann & Paul Ferrara
A most touching tribute to a fine man and a fine father.I recall every time I spent with David and Phoebe and cherish those. My very sincere condolences to Penny, Tom, Susan and Marmot. And of course to Barbara. Love to you all, Dan