Robert "Duke" Snyder

Robert “Duke” Snyder was born in Chisolm Minnesota on June 20th, 1923 to Joseph Frederick Snyder and Ivana Ann Cvar.

Duke attended high school from 1938 to 1942 at Klamath Union in Klamath Falls Oregon, where he was a standout quarterback and the drum major of the KU marching band.

After graduation, Duke entered the US Military in 1943 and served in Central Europe. Following the conclusion of war in Europe, Duke was transferred to Japan, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1946.

In 1948 Duke joined the Oregon State Police in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he met his future wife, Dona June Johnson. The couple married in 1949. They welcomed son Joseph Otto on December 30, 1949 and daughter Teresa Ann on May 27, 1952.

Duke was transferred by the OSP to Klamath Falls in 1960. He served in the traffic, fish and wildlife and Criminal investigation units during his tenure. Duke retired in June 1978 after serving 30 years of public service.

In 1991 Duke and Dona moved to Brookings to enjoy their retirement. Duke took advantage of the opportunity to pursue his longtime passion for steelhead fishing on Curry County’s Chetco River. He could be found countless mornings fishing with his buddies at Social Security, a popular gravel bar on the lower river.

Duke and Dona moved back to Grants Pass in 2007 to be closer to friends and family.

Duke loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting and collecting artifacts whenever he had the chance. He also enjoyed sports and was a master on the billiard table.

Few people were as affable as Duke. He possessed a welcoming and engaging personality, coupled with a genuine concern for those in his life. His strong character and dedication to principle made him a welcome addition to any group. Duke was also a dedicated family man who cherished his wife, his children and their spouses and his grandchildren.

Duke was preceded in death by his wife Dona in June 2009. He is survived by son Joe Snyder of Medford, daughter Teresa Ackerman of Grants Pass, daughter-in-law Rea Snyder, son-in-law Rick Ackerman, brother Richard Snyder and grandchildren Chad and Chelsea Snyder, both living in the Rogue Valley.