Dwane Snider

OBITUARY FOR DWANE DUDLEY SNIDER

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Dwane Dudley Snider, age 75, passed away on Saturday December 14, 2024. Dwane was born on July 10, 1949 to Emerson and Erda Snider.

Dwane, affectionally known as "D.D." by his friends and family and "Papa or Grandpa" by his grandchildren, grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He relished sharing colorful stories about his childhood including helping on his grandfather's farm in Missouri. These stories included hilarious misdeeds and often ended with close calls that fortunately spared the barn from fire.

Dwane married his high school sweetheart, Karen Elam, on May 5, 1966. Together they raised three daughters. Dwane followed in his father's footsteps working in the bread business for many years. His independent spirit eventually led him to start his own business, K & D Distributing, distributing products from McKee Foods known for their brand "Little Debbie." He later became Regional Manager for McKee Foods.

Dwane enjoyed an active lifestyle pursuing a wide variety of interests. He played baseball well into his adult years and was known for his ability to slide into base and somehow pop up to finish in a standing position. He and Karen shared a love of the outdoors. They took camping trips with friends and family and Dwane was an avid fly fisherman. For many years, he played golf every Saturday with a close foursome of friends. In recent years, he mastered the art of preparing ribs in his smoker and enthusiastically supported his many grandchildren attending graduations, weddings, dance recitals, cheer competitions, concerts, and baseball, basketball, and soccer games. He was extremely proud of his RV (Baby Girl) which he and Karen drove to visit out of state family.

Dwane valued a strong work ethic and was not one to stay idle. After his retirement, he worked with his son-in-law at his Baskin Robbins businesses. He also loved working at the Sandia Peak Tramway where he made new friends and met travelers from around the world. Dwane continued to work at the Tram until shortly before his death.

Dwane is survived by his wife Karen; their three daughters and sons-in-law Michelle (Brian) Bond of St. Louis, Missouri, Deann (Christopher) Zenisek of Golden, Colorado, and Shanna (Walter Anthoni) Sullins of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his many grandchildren Mason and Connor (Rachel) Bond, Clayton and Reese Zenisek, Taylor, Payten, Ashlynn, and A.J. (Becca) Sullins, Lacey (Kevin) McNally, Shaylee (Cisco) Abeyta, Jena (Danny) Ehmann; four greatgrandchildren; his siblings Rene (Dick) Shaw and Errol (Michele) Snider; and many other friends and family.

Dwane was the pillar of strength and guiding light for his family. He is deeply missed. A Memorial Service in Dwane's honor will be held at First Christian Church 10101 Montgomery Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM. 87111 on January 18, 2025 at 10:30 am, reception to follow. The family welcomes donations in Dwane's honor to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.