Stuart D. Snyder

SNYDER, Stuart D, 98 of Centerville, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2018 as a result of the flu. Stuart graduated from Fairview High School in 1937 and Miami University. In 1941 Stuart enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps to train as a fighter pilot. Stuart was fascinated with archeology and geology. His lifelong passion to discover and excavate archeological sites for relics and artifacts resulted in his traveling the world extensively as an amateur explorer and archeologist. His many dangerous adventures were written about in men's action magazines, thrilled audiences in lecture halls and generated numerous newspaper articles which referred to him as "Daytons original Indiana Jones". Stuart generously donated his entire collection of relics and artifacts to various museums and universities for others to enjoy. Stuart was also an avid collector of antique clocks, tribal masks, Pre Colombian relics and trilobite fossils. At age 15, Stuart met his soul mate, Rita and 80 years later they still cherished their lifelong journey of love and devotion to each other. They married in 1941 and together managed the family owned Wishing Well Inn in Centerville. In the early 1950's, they built and operated the Kettering Recreation Center which included the Kettering Swimming Pool, Skating Rink and Putt Putt Golf Course. Stuart was a proud member of the Kettering Rotary Club. Stuart was a loving devoted father and husband. His adventurous spirit to experience life to the fullest and admirable strength and courage will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved him. Stuart is preceded in death by his cherished wife Rita, beloved son Steven, granddaughter Stephanie Phillips, sister Shirley Wagner of Oakwood and brother Sherwood Snyder. He is survived by his daughters Mary Donna Snyder; Sue (Larry) Swartz; Charlotte (Joe) Lodge; grandchildren Nicolas (Erica) Snyder; Tamara (Todd) Peacock and 3 great grandchildren. Per Stuarts request, no services will be scheduled. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429