Charles Ervin “Okie” Snedeger
Share
Funeral service for Charles Ervin “Okie” Snedeger, 93, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Okie passed away Monday, May 6, 2019 at Arbor Court Retirement Community at Alvamar.
Okie was born August 29, 1925 in Selman, OK. He grew up in Woodward, OK. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
He married the love of his life Jean Chapman in 1944. They would have celebrated their 75th anniversary in August.
After the war, they settled in Lawrence. He worked for Bowersock Flour Mill, FMC, Independent Laundry and retired from Kansas Public Service Gas Company after 25 years.
He and his wife installed, owned and operated Snedeger’s coin Laundry for 22 years. After totally retiring, our loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather enjoyed gardening and loved dancing at the Eagles Lodge.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Sonnie Kemberling (Jerry), Wendy Dalquest (Ron) all of Lawrence, a son, Charlie (Sarah), Baldwin City, KS, eight grandchildren, Steve Corbett, Amy Corbett Pugh, Kevin Patterson, Elizabeth Snedeger O’Neil, Jeff Corbett, Brian Patterson, Abe Snedeger, Ashley Snedeger Kretzschmer, and nine great grandchildren.
The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1 – 2 p.m. Friday, May 10th at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Visiting Nurses Hospice of Douglas County and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Jean
I wanted to leave you my condolences in case I can’t come to the funeral on Friday. As you know Okie was my favorite ever service tech. I was so glad I got to visit with him last week and spent time with the two of you. If you need anything you know you can count on Ron and I to help you. I will keep you in my prayers and give your family a big hug from the two of us.
Jean and family,
My prayers go out to each and every one of you. He was such a great man and so many people loved and respected him. Just remember that he loved each and everyone of you.
God’s blessings to you all.
Remember,
“Death leaves a Heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can heal”
So sad to hear of Okies passing. Jean,
As you know I am now in Florida so will be unable to attend services but please know that I am with you in spirit. Okie has a lot of great friends to welcome him to heaven so you know they are all having a great party in heaven right now! He is in good hands!
The end of an era is Okie and men like him. He was a Lawrence institution and a good man with a good heart. They don’t make ’em like him any more.
My deepest condolences to my old friend and classmate, Wendy Snedeger. The passing of one’s father is so hard to bear, as I well know, but the hope of reuniting in heaven gets us through the night. Big hugs and God bless you.
I worked with Okie for many years at the Gas company in Lawrence and he made my day just seeing him come into the dispatch and saying He, He was a great person,so caring and loving. Always had a big smile. My heart goes out to the family with prayers for you all. He was a great man. We all know he is in a better place now.
I cherish many memories with the entire family & am thinking of you all. The future will be different without Okie but he left you all with wonderful memories, qualities & traditions that you all will continue to pass on. My heart aches for you all. Much love & respect. Xoxo
Thank you for calling, so sad we haven’t been able to see each other over the last several years. Have had the privilege of saying, he is my cousin. Such a special person with a loving spirit who will truly be missed. Jean and family, my heart goes out to each of you. Am thankful for the time we had together. Mary Parks
Sending my deepest condolences to my former classmate, Wendy Snedeger and her family. Praying for you and sending hugs for you in this time. It’s hard to lose a parent, but comforting to know we will see them again in heaven someday. Dorene Willis Hughes
I had the privilege of working with Okie at Kansas Public Service for many years, and our friendship continued after his retirement. Following his retirement, he would often return to the office to visit his former coworkers. He always had a smile on his face, a hearty laugh, and we were always in a better mood after his visits. During our annual company Christmas parties and summer picnics, Okie and Jean were fixtures. You could count on Okie going all in during the Christmas white elephant gift exchange, dancing around the room like a kid, and Jean’s delicious carrot cakes were legendary at our picnics! My mother also enjoyed working with Okie back during his Independent Laundry days. Our condolences to Jean and all of the Snedeger family. Okie was a wonderful man and friend, and he will be missed.
He tied us all together, and kept us anchored here in East Lawrence. He gave us far more than he would ever realize, from his inclusive, generous nature.
As a child growing up, I lived next door to the Snedegers. So many hours were spent at their house, in their yard, no doubt underfoot, but always welcome. No matter what we were doing, the love in their household palpable. And Okie, I don’t think his smile ever left his face! In later years, I would run into him around town and I always got a big hug and a bigger smile. I think the only times I ever saw a hint of a frown was if he came home from work and Wendy and I were sitting in “his chair”. I’m sure he’s still smiling. While no longer visible, I hope his family can feel the love and warmth of his beautiful smile.
Sonnie & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. I always remembered his gentle nature and smile. Thoughts & prayers.
Dearest Jean,
Just saw you both the Friday before.
As you both were good family friends, and mutual First Chistian Church members, I can share that my earliest memories include being old enough to sit in the church balcony by my self Sundays, and seeing you sitting there as well.
I so respected Oakie. I’m proud to say i knew him, and that he was above all else,….my friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Okie’s passing. Mom just called today to let me know. I remember as a kid when I had fallen and split my head open Okie took me to the hospital in the silver slug bug. He will truly be missed.