Claude L. Snodgrass

Claude L Snodgrass, age 87, passed suddenly at his home in Bourbonnais, surrounded by his children, on Saturday, March 12, 2016. He has now found comfort in the arms of his angel. Claude was born on October 2, 1928 in Centertown, Kentucky, to Claude and Lucille Hopper Snodgrass. As a young man shortly after WW2, he served proudly in the US Navy as a medic based in Norfolk, Virginia. He moved to Michigan where he met the love of his life Verneta Billington. As he would always say, “We met in cherry season and married in apple season.” They wed and began their journey of life together on December 1, 1950, and were blessed with three children. Claude and Verneta enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends. They were dedicated stewards serving in many capacities at College Church of the Nazarene and were honored with a Distinguished Service Award for their selfless service to others in bearing witness of God’s love with extraordinary kindness and enthusiasm. During his life he mastered nearly 40 jobs and professions including union electrician, teacher, facilities director, minister, and bible scholar. He earned his Master’s Degree in Biblical Theology from Olivet Nazarene University. Claude had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way by his generosity and caring smile that warmed the room. He nourished people around him with love and faith. Claude will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various communities and churches he has served. Left to honor Claude and remember his love are his 3 children, Rita (Tom) Tuntland - Bourbonnais, Claudia (Don) Hertz - Bradley, and Ron (Carol) Snodgrass - Bourbonnais; 9 grandchildren, Kimberly (Ryan) Jewell, Jason (Kelly) Tuntland, Kristin (Dan) Allison, Amy (Doug) Balsano, Dawn Hertz (David Spears), Brooke (Jason) Deatherage, Rhonda (Mike) Sergeant, Jacob (Sabrina) Snodgrass, and Cari (Thomas) Mathis; 15 great-grandchildren, Alexander, Owen & Carter Claude Jewell, Dominic, Victoria & Tyler Tuntland, Issac, Eli & Aylee Allison, Collin Hertz, Allie, Luke, & Carleigh Balsano, Nolan & Harvey Claude Sergeant; sister, Carlene Reynolds of Eau Claire, MI, brother, Morgan Snodgrass of Marshall, MI, sister-in-law Nelda Bailey of Benton Harbor, MI, and many nieces and nephews. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Verneta, and a sister. Virginia Whitehead. Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 15, 2016 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Visitation at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the College Church of the Nazarene, Bourbonnais, until the 11 a.m. funeral services. Claude’s longtime good friend, Dr. John Bowling, will officiate. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais, IL, with military rights accorded.

Claude L. Snodgrass

October 2, 1928 - March 12, 2016