James Ronald Snyder

Born January 24, 1937, in Jackson County, Wilding West Virginia. Born To Stella Ann Keebaugh and Charles Royall Kessel, MD. He was raised until about age 12 by Frank Bowen and wife Clara Casto Keebaugh. About 1948 he moved to Akron, Ohio with his family Charles and Stella Snyder. After graduating from Akron South High School, Ron joined the Army and after obtaining the rank of E6, he went to officers’ candidate school and received a federal commission as a second lieutenant.

Ron was assigned a position as a rifle platoon commander. During the following two years, he was stationed at Fort Benning Georgia, Fort Knox Kentucky, and Fort Sill Oklahoma. Later after being promoted to lieutenant, he was promoted to Captain Infantry and became company commander of Company C of the Ohio National Guard. He later transferred to the military police battalion in Youngstown as the commander of the Special Investigation Unit. Ron also served 20 years in law enforcement at the Summit County Sheriff’s office, Summit County coroner’s office and retired from the Portage County Sheriff’s office. Later he served 20 years in the insurance fraud business.

Ron loved taking thousands of pictures and working on his ancestry. He cherished his roots in West Virginia. Ron spent a lot of time on his West Virginia property, four wheeling, hunting, and enjoying the beauty. He also spent a lot of time out on the water when he owned his boat. Ron spent countless hours with family and friends.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy and his four stepsons, Richard (Judy) Walker, Larry Walker, Robert (Deborah) Walker, and Bradley (Lisa) Walker.

Ron has four daughters from his first marriage, Debbie (Jack) O’Toole, Carole Snyder, Kim (Jim) Schrutt, and Beth (David) Deeney.

He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ron was a proud member of the following organizations: The Sons of the American Revolution for Patriots, Ravenna Elks Club, Kent Masonic Society, 32 Degree Masons and the Military Officers Association.

Family will receive friends on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 11:00am to 1:00 pm at the Wood- Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 East Main Street, Ravenna, Oh. 44266. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Bob Burgess, will begin at 1pm. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com