Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Joseph Calvin Synder Jr., affectionately known as Joe and Papaw, passed away on December 27, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN at the age of 62. Joe was born on December 24, 1962, in Owensboro, KY. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Joe attended Tell City High School and proudly served in the Army, including a deployment to Germany. Joe started working at ARC Construction in 2008, with 15 years of prior superintendent experience. Joe enjoyed every moment he spent at ARC Construction as they always treated him like family, and he continued working at ARC until his passing.
Joe was survived in life by his beloved wife - Laurie Snyder - with whom he shared 34 wonderful years of marriage, his children Taffanie Varner, Brittanie Shah (Faraz), Kent Snyder (Kelsie), and Steffanie Winternheimer, son-in-law Jeremy Varner, and grandchildren Brodie (Kaylee), Allyson (Allie), Muneeb, Aayah, Brilynn, Zachary, Jackson, and Kai. Joe was also survived by his siblings Betty Dee, Patsy Kinard, Bobby Snyder, and Lori Smith.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother Betty Snyder and father Joseph Snyder Sr.
A man of many interests, Joe loved camping, traveling, and spending quality time with his family and friends. He found much joy in cooking and grilling, often sharing his favorite meal – biscuits and gravy. A passionate sports fan, he was an avid supporter of Notre Dame football and IU basketball and often enjoyed watching NASCAR. His generosity and compassion for others was shown through to the end where he was able to donate some of his organs.
Music from the 90s country genre often filled his home, and he could frequently be found sharing dad jokes that brought laughter to all of those around him. His playful spirit was especially shown during the holidays, where he enjoyed playing Santa for his family. Joe had a special love for his dogs – Molly, Otis, and Opie, his grill, and the time he spent with his grandkids, who were the light of his life.
Joe was known for saying “I love you more than biscuits and gravy” and singing “You Are My Sunshine”, reflecting the warmth and love he shared with everyone.
Joe’s legacy will be remembered by all who knew him as a devoted family man, a dedicated worker, and a friend who always made time for a laugh. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Joe’s grandchildren state “Condensing Papaws life into a few short sentences is nearly impossible. He was an amazing son, father, grandfather, and husband. To know him was to love him. We will miss him deeply from pool volleyball in the summers and making fun of him for being old to attending graduations, birthday parties, and all life events, Papaw was always there
for us, and we are so incredibly lucky to have been there with him in the end. As best said by Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky am I to have someone who makes saying goodbye so hard.” Papaw always called us his sunshines, but in reality, he was ours. We love you Papaw.”
A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Saturday, January 4th at his home. For any information on this event, reach out to his grandchildren Ally Varner or Brodie Varner on Facebook.
Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Joseph Snyder, Jr. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Calvin Snyder, Jr., please visit our floral store.