Freeman C. Snyder Sr.

Freeman C. Snyder Sr., 69, of Lewisburg, moved to his next destination on Monday, October 30, 2017 at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.

He was born April 8, 1948 in Lewisburg, a son of the late Joseph Edward Hopp and Christian (Kline) Snyder. On June 9, 1968, he married the former Paula Dale, who survives.

Freeman graduated from Lewisburg high school in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving primarily on board the U.S.S. Oglethorpe during the Vietnam War.  After returning home from the Navy, he began his valley career at American Home Foods, now ConAgra, Milton.  He quickly became an active Union member in UFCW Local 38, holding many elected positions and eventually became the President just weeks before becoming ill, forcing him to retire long before he was ready.

Freeman served as a board member on many local, state and national Union committees, very well known throughout the Union business.  He was president of the five county United Labor Council, serving over 10,000 members for 20 years, and was especially known throughout the eastern seaboard for his work at the Bloomsburg Fair promoting Union made and American made products, a real passion of his.  Freeman was also instrumental in starting a scholarship program for Union members’ children entering college and was a mentor to many youth in the area.  He was constantly trying to increase his understanding of the state of the nation and attended the George Meany Center of Labor Study to enhance that knowledge.

Earlier in life, he was involved in many volunteer services throughout the valley.  Freeman was a Scout Leader and a board member of the local Scout Council.

He was of the Lutheran faith and a member of the Masonic Charity Lodge #144 F&AM, Lewisburg, the Williamsport Consistory, an active board member of the United Way Campaign in the valley, the School to Work Program and later a member of the Workplace Development board until his disability prevented him from continuing.

Freeman served many years on the Democratic committee in Union County, most of them as a board member, as well as volunteering in other Democratic committees in the valley.  He was actively involved in all phases of elections, local, state and national, and was well known by legislators for his communication on the issues.

He helped coach baseball and would often be seen umpiring when needed.  Freeman tried to never miss a ballgame when his sons played.  He fished, hunted, camped and often reflected about how he enjoyed the outdoors.  Freeman loved carpentry and found time for projects at home.  He was also an avid Penn State football fan.

Lastly, Freeman was well known for his smile and general quick humor, but not to be mistaken as being soft.  He was passionate about many things and his grandson often said, “he was just being pap”, when he displayed his passion.  His passion for others was clear by him being a gift of life donor.  Freeman spent countless hours worrying about his kids and loved them dearly.

He has reluctantly moved on, knowing he did not complete his work, but content he put his best foot forward.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his stepfather, Bruce Snyder, of Lewisburg; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Freeman Jr. and Pamela Snyder, of Mifflinburg, Shawn Snyder, of Catawissa, and Kyle and Pam Snyder, of Lock Haven; 10 brothers and sisters, Beth Hess, Rachel Kahley, William Snyder, Debra Stuck, Shelby Mason, Barbara Prairie, and James, Thomas, Greg and Jeff Hopp; five grandchildren, Devin (Patricia), Logan (Sarah), Jadyn, Taryn and Blake Snyder; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Carson, Aubree, Guinevere, and Maisie to be born February 2018; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was predeceased by one grandchild, Madison.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg, where a Masonic Service will be held at 5:30 p.m.

The family will provide the flowers and suggests contributions in Freeman’s name be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org.

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