Keith Horton Snider

Keith Horton Snider, 93, of Fort Collins entered his eternal home on November 5, 2018. Keith was born June 29, 1925 in Gering, NE, the son of William Nelson Snider and Irma "Betty" Snider (Clifford). Keith grew up in a small refinery town in Wyoming call Parco (now called Sinclair).

Keith was drafted into the United States Air Force when he was 18 years old in high school. He fought in WWII as a tail gunner on a B24 bomber. On his 13th mission, his target was the Polesti Oil Fields in Romania, his airplane and crew were shot down over Romania. Keith and his crew parachuted from the B24, all surviving and became prisoners of war (POW). Conditions were harsh. He was released at the end of WWII. Keith received a purple heart and has written many stories about his experiences.

After the war he became a Registered Pharmacist. He met Esther L. Brainard, of Missouri, at the South Denver Drug Store, where he was a pharmacist with his dad. He married the love of his life, Esther, June 20, 1948. They just celebrated their 70th Anniversary. They had three daughters and a son.

When they were first married, they owned and lived on a ranch in Frasier, CO. Keith had his own horse team that he used to run the ranch. He was also on the ski patrol and held first aid classes at Winter Park. He loved ranching and the outdoors.

Keith had many adventures in his life too numerous to mention. Keith has written many stories about his life. Later Keith and Esther moved to Fort Collins where Keith worked as a registered pharmacist at several different drug stores; King Soopers, Walgreens, Campus Drug, and CSU.

Keith was a very godly man and loved the Lord. He kept a daily prayer journal and prayed for his family daily. He taught BSF bible studies for 18 years. Family was precious and very important to him!! He spent time with his family when ever possible. He also enjoyed spending time with friends. Keith loved reading, writing stories of his life, fishing, camping, skiing, gardening and the great outdoors. Keith said, "He loved the great outdoors its wonders and beauty God had created." He also loved watching Wyoming College football and the Denver Broncos.

Keith is survived by his wife, Esther Snider of Ft. Collins, his three daughters Cynthia Hager of Greeley, Lynn Vaughn of Phoenix, AZ, Jan (Alan) Barthel of Briggsdale, CO, seven grandchildren Jared (AnnMarie) Hager, Kelly Hager, Christopher (Dana)Vaughn, Colby Vaughn, Brittany Barthel and Austin Barthel, three great grandchildren Addison Hager, Kayden, and Nolan Vaughn and several nephews and cousins.

Preceding Keith in death is his son, William Nelson Snider and his grandson Jeffery Hager.

Celebration of Life will take place November 12, 2018 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel at 10:30 am. 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524.