Paul G. Snider

West Lafayette, Indiana

Paul was born 2/13/1923 in Huntington Indiana to Robert W. and Edith Krieg Snider.  He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth E. Shaffer, on 9/6/1942 in Spencerville Ohio.  They would have been married 75 years this September. He was professor and Coach Emeritus Purdue Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and Athletic Department. 

Paul obtained degrees from United States Merchant Marine Academy, Ohio Northern University, and Bowling Green State University.  He completed additional academic work at Indiana University, Toledo University, Kent State University, and Occidental College. 

Paul is a retired naval officer of WWII who saw action in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Pacific Theater.  He is also a former high school principal, teacher, and coach in the Lima, Ohio area.

Paul held memberships in the Masonic Lodge and chapters, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Phi Delta Kappa, American, Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.  He was a past President of Indiana Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and National Golf Coaches Association.  In 1988 Paul was named mid-west golf coach of the year.  He was the first Purdue Women’s golf coach with over 800 wins.  While at Purdue, he started the Purdue golf starter and ranger program.  In 2010 he was named to the Shawnee High School Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Paul has two children, Rick Stedman Snider (wife Cynde) of Atlanta Georgia; and Paula Stephanie Ford (husband Bob) of West Lafayette, Indiana.  He has five grandchildren, Steven K. Snider (wife Margot) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Timothy S. Snider (wife Meg) of Atlanta, Georgia; Robert P. Ford (wife Lindsay) of West Lafayette, Indiana; Andrew S. Ford (wife Laurie) of Dallas, Texas; Kara S. Collier (husband Brandon) of Louisville, Kentucky. He has five great-grandchildren Katelyn Ford, Claire Ford, and Ryan Ford of West Lafayette, and Landon Ford, and Cameron Ford of Dallas, Texas.  Paul has one sister, Mary Jane Shaffer, of Bradenton, Florida, one sister-in-law, Betty Snider, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  His parents; one sister, Maxiene Redick and her husband Robert; one brother, R. Mark Snider; and a brother-in-law Donald Shaffer preceded him in death. Paul enjoyed family, all athletics, travel, gardening, and substitute teaching.

 Visitation will take place Saturday, April 22 from 1- 3 pm at First United Methodist Church. (1700 West State Street, West Lafayette, In.) The memorial service will follow the visitation at the church with Rev. Craig LaSuer and Rev. Denise Frank officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in Paul’s memory.  You may sign the guest book and leave memories and pictures at www.soller-baker.com