Paul Willard Snarr

   Paul Willard Snarr, 103, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, at Friends Fellowship Community, where he had resided for the past 14 years.

   Paul was born to Marvin Oscar and Daisy P. Voyles Snarr in Salem, Indiana on November 1, 1920. The family moved to the Fountain City area in the early 1920s. He graduated from Fountain City High School in 1938. Paul worked and attended Business College post high school. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1942. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Paymaster Sergeant.

   Paul returned to the Fountain City/Richmond area, where he worked in his father’s business making concrete block along with his brother, John, who also served in World War II. Paul and John soon decided to form their own business, Snarr Brothers Masonry, Inc. They laid block and brick on countless buildings in Wayne and surrounding counties. Among the last jobs they completed were the Elder-Beerman store and the Municipal Parking Garage in downtown Richmond. They closed their business in 1975 but Paul continued to do masonry work until he retired in 1982. In July 2023, Paul was recognized by Local 4, Indiana/Kentucky Chapter of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union for 75 years of service!

   Paul married the former Dolores Schneider on December 23, 1956. They were married 60 years at the time of her death on December 2016. They loved to travel together and visited more than 50 countries around the world, along with numerous trips within the United States. The two of them also delivered Meals-on-Wheels for 23 years. They were forced to give this up when Paul’s eyesight made driving difficult due to macular degeneration.

   Paul was an avid reader, which he continued to enjoy even with limited eyesight by using audio books from the Indiana State Library. Paul enjoyed sports, especially IU Basketball and Reds Baseball, traveling, photography, bird watching, working around his home that he built in the late 1950s, square-foot gardening and small orchards. He held a private pilots license in the 1950s and flew out of the former East Side Airport, which is now the Richmond Industrial Park.

   Paul was a member of Lifespring Church, formerly Fountain City Wesleyan Church, and donated countless hours working on the early church buildings with his close friend, John Shepherd. Paul loved the Lord and served Him faithfully and generously throughout his life.

   Paul is survived by his sister-in-law, Imogene Snarr, along with loving nieces, nephews and many, many dear loving friends.

   Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters, Helen Meyer and Julia McQuiston; and brother, John Snarr.

   Paul’s relatives would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Friends Fellowship Community for their friendship, care and loving support! Paul and Dolores made many friends among the staff and residents while they lived there. In addition, Paul’s family wishes to extend a special “Thank You” to a nephew, Steven Meyer, who looked after Paul and shared a special bond that transcended the definition of caregiver.

   Pastor Jacob Gibson, will officiate a funeral ceremony beginning at Noon on Saturday, April 6, at the Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home, 321 US Hwy 27 South, Fountain City. Interment with military rites will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.

   Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. - Noon on Saturday, April 6, at the funeral home.

   Paul’s family respectfully requests that no flowers or other sympathy pieces be sent. Instead, please consider sending a memorial contribution to Lifespring Church, 5600 US Hwy 27 North, Richmond, IN 47374. 

   Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithmcquistonwebster.com .