Richard Ray Snyder

Richard Ray Snyder, age 74, of Iola, Kansas passed away on May 1, 2026, at his home. Richard Ray was born on September 17, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to parents Lloyd Harold Snyder and Treva Eileen (Cannon) Snyder. He lived his early years through grade school in Paola, Kansas. Richard graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1969, and then attended college at Fort Scott Community College where he was involved in band and madrigals (choir) along with basic college courses.

Richard Ray was the oldest of four brothers, Stephan Michael, David Lee and Larry Wayne. Richard was involved in FFA, football, track and field, choir and band. Farming was high on his list of occupations he wanted to follow.

In November of 1970, he met his future wife Judith (Judy) Ann Roecker while both were in college at Fort Scott. Their love was an immediate match, and they were married on August 30, 1971. Rick and Judy were parents to four children: Chad Mitchell, Carrie Eileen, Megan Marie, and Kevin Wayne. Rick worked for a foundry in Fort Scott until it closed in March of 1972. He then was hired as a brush cutter at the REC in Mound City, Kansas, which led to becoming an apprentice lineman. He worked as a lineman and farmed until he had an electrical accident in September of 1980. The decision was made at that time to choose just one occupation. He sold his farm and moved to Iola, Kansas, in 1981 to continue to work for the REC as a lineman.

In 1988, Rick and his family moved to Valley Center, Kansas, when he became a lineman for KG&E in Wichita. He remained at Valley Center until 1992 when he transferred back to Iola, to work out of the Humboldt, Kansas KG&E location. KG&E merged several times through the years, but he remained with them until he retired as a Line Foreman in February 2015, from Evergy as a second generation lineman.

Rick was predeceased by both of his parents, three brothers, one son (Chad) and one nephew (Michael).

Family was very important to Rick. He tried to make every event his children were involved in, while trying to keep all his electrical customers up and running. He also coached many young ladies and gentlemen in soccer, baseball and softball. His joy came from guiding his children and all of his players into adulthood. He followed their progress later in their journey in life. He never knew a stranger and would start a conversation with anyone.

Rick left behind to carry on his legacy of kindness, plus responsibility and love for life; his wife Judy Snyder; children, Carrie Snyder (Wes Beeman), Megan (Brian) Mantooth, Kevin (Tiffany) Snyder and daughter-in-law Robyne Snyder; eight grandchildren, Austin (Kaisha) Snyder, Wynnter (Ryan) Colston, Alice (Caleb) Davidson, Easton Hitchcock, Logan Mantooth, Brilee Mantooth, Brett Mantooth and Wyatt Snyder; his newest joy of his great-grandchildren, Kaiser, Cannon, Wrynn and Oliver; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Rick never met a stranger, nor had enemies. He was one-of-a-kind!

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at The Venue, 1883 HWY 54, Iola, Kansas, from 1-3 P.M. Burial will take place privately at a later time.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Richard Ray Snyder Memorial Scholarship. The Richard Ray Snyder Memorial Scholarship was created to honor a life defined by hard work, dedication, and pride in the electrical trade. This scholarship will support a Southeast Kansas high school senior pursuing electrical lineman school, helping them take the first step toward a meaningful, hands-on career that serves and strengthens our communities.

Your donation is more than financial support, it is an investment in the future of a young individual who is ready to follow a path of discipline, resilience, and purpose. By giving, you help carry forward Richard's legacy and ensure that his values continue to make a lasting impact.

Memorials made to the Richard Ray Snyder Memorial Scholarship may be left in the care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com