John Dudley Snider

John Dudley Snider Sr of Pagosa Springs, Colorado passed away on January 23, 2025 at the age of 82. They were born on August 1, 1942 in Des Moines, New Mexico the 8th of 9 children. He grew up riding horses and hunting on the Bosque. He graduated from Belen High School in Belen, New Mexico in 1960.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Snider; his daughter, Jill Snider; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Angela Snider; and his cherished grandchildren, Bailey and Jude Snider. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Snider of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his sister, Hada Templeton of Henderson, Tennessee.

John spent most of his life working as a mechanic and had the reputation of being able to fix just about anything. He spent 30 years at La Plata Electric in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. His passion was keeping up the small ranch he and his wife Shirley owned in Pagosa Springs where they raised long horn cattle, horses and Aussie puppies.

He was an avid hunter, and his favorite day would be to catch sight of elk or deer in the forest. As much as he loved to go hunting, he enjoyed the camaraderie of the campfire telling stories and making memories just as much.

John was actively involved in the VFW in Canyon City, Colorado. He also spent time helping and volunteering with the Boy Scouts and 4-H. A generation of kids learned about mechanics, animals and swearing under his tutelage.

John will be remembered as an old cowboy with a hearty laugh, a twinkle in his eye, and a never-ending supply of tall tales. We like to think he’s up there in the high country, riding an old mule, swapping stories, and basking in the sunshine.

John will be laid to rest in Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236 at 1:00 PM, Thursday, March 6, 2025 with full military honors. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in June.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to The VFW of Canyon City.

VFW Post 4061

215 N. Cottonwood Dr.

Canon City, CO 81212

719-275-9886