Harry Snoke Obituary

Harry Randall Snoke

Harry Randall "Randy" Snoke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the presence of family and friends.

Randy was born March 7, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the cherished son of John Edwin Snoke and Esther T. (Van Buskirk) Snoke Spitznaugle.

In his youth, Randy was surrounded by the love of his family, including his brother, Thomas E. Snoke, who survives, and his sisters, Martha Jane Snoke and Carolyn Lee Brunett, who both preceded him in death. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Randy shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Mary Marlene (Owen) Snoke, who survives him. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their union blessed them with four children, Linda Kay Snoke, Connor (Michael Connor deceased), Karen Diane Stearns (married to Larry Stearns), and Timothy Alan Snoke (married to Mary Patton Snoke) who survive. Their youngest son, David Duane Snoke (married to Wendy Machelle Smith), preceded him in death.

Randy took great pride in his family, finding joy in the accomplishments and milestones of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love and guidance will forever resonate in their hearts.

Beyond his roles as a devoted husband and father, Randy was known as a passionate military and civilian aviator who served in U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and Air National Guard. As a Navy Aircrewman, Randy was awarded the Victory over Japan Award. As an Airforce Officer, Randy flew P-51, F-80, and F-86 fighter aircraft.

Randy also flew vintage and demonstration aircraft in the 1950s. He designed, built, and raced his own aircraft in several National Air Race competitions including the Snoke "Swifty Jr" F1 aircraft. Randy was the founding member of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and lifelong member of Quiet Birdmen "QB" Fraternal Organization. Additionally, Randy was the original owner and operator of Ft. Wayne Air Service.

As a professional pilot, Randy's career included flying for Kelly Flight Services and Central Soya Corporation in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Later, he flew for Marathon Oil Corporation in Findlay, retiring in 1987 as Director of Rotary Wing Operations.

Having learned trade skills from his own father, Randy was a craftsman who was also passionate about technology. Whether it was building Heathkits with his sons, writing computer programs, flying drones, or driving his Model 3 Tesla, Randy believed that advances in technology were a means by which humanity could be better served. And so, he was ardent about learning new technology and encouraged others to embrace the best that technology had to offer.

Always an entrepreneur at heart, in 1994, Randy started George House Coffee and Tea in Findlay. He worked on his much beloved coffee business for nearly 30 years before it closed in 2023.

As a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Randy will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. He touched the lives of many with his warm smile, gentle spirit, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Harry Randall Snoke lived an extraordinary life. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he has touched and the memories he has created. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, with a rosary service at 4:45 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrate at 11 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. Father Adam Hertzfeld will be the celebrant. Burial will take place at Knollcrest Gardens with military rites by Hancock Veteran's Memorial Squad.

Memorials may be shared in Randy's name to charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.