Robert Arthur “Bob” Snow, 95, of Fairfield, Iowa and formerly of Packwood, Iowa passed away Tuesday evening, June 18, 2024. Bob was born in Peru, Illinois on Friday, November 30, 1928, the oldest child of Fredrick Arthur “Fred” Snow, Jr. and Margaret Gillespie (Lennox) Snow. Bob grew up in LaSalle, Illinois, and graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1946.
After honorably serving in the Navy (Great Lakes, Illinois; Norfolk, VA; and the Naval Air Base in Memphis, Tennessee) from 1947-1951, he attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, where at the Central Park Cafe, he met Marjorie Mae “Marge” Dack–the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 63 years.
Bob and Marge married on May 30, 1953 at the Attica Iowa Methodist Church and then moved to Kirksville, Missouri where Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College (now Truman State) in August 1955. He taught and coached high school at Linden, Morning Sun, Richland, Van Buren, and Alden before going to Pekin in 1969 where he taught elementary P.E., (named “The Kids’ Favorite” by colleagues), social studies, and junior high sports. After a dedicated 35-year career (20 years at Pekin), he retired in 1990, but kept coaching “field & track” athletes, and scouting for Coach Tom Stone and the Pekin Panther football team. Bob coached generations of student-athletes in basketball, football, wrestling, and track. Notable accomplishments include coaching the Richland Tigers, starting the high school football program at Van Buren, starting the Pekin junior high football program in 1970, receiving the 1983 Iowa High School Athletic Association – Pekin State Champions – Super Scout Coach’s Achievement Award and being honored as the Iowa Junior High Coach of the Year in 1988.
Napkins and index cards were the canvases of choice for this creative coach and motivator as he could be found enjoying a cup of coffee while drawing out football plays, probabilities, and stats, as well as sending inspirational quotes, Bible verses, and encouraging notes to family, friends, and student-athletes of all ages.
Bob was a devoted man of God, and a member, deacon, and elder of the Packwood First Christian Church. He taught Sunday school and enjoyed preparing for the many children’s messages he presented. He believed in Jesus and walked in faith for his family, friends, church, school, & community. He loved others. Bob enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandkiddos’ events and activities as well traveling to Texas each year.
Bob is survived by his five children: Karen (Terry) Allison of Fairfield, Kyle (Kristi) Snow of Houston, TX, Krystal Snow of Packwood, Kortney (Richard) Heald of Packwood, and Kathy Snow of Fairfield; his nine grands–Joshua (Carisa) Allison, Erik (Sunny) Allison, Wayci (Gavin) Clark, Patrick (Megan) Snow, Nathan Snow, Alex (Juliana) Snow, Cynthia (Larry) Post, Jeremy (Jenny) Heald, and Bethany (Luke) Fishel; eighteen great grands–Brynley, Caden, McKenna (Hunter), Kendra, Zandrik, Kenzley, Austen, Lauryn, Savannah, Leighton, Camden, Derrick, Kaitlyn, Dillan, Kadence, Addie, Gracelyn, and Olivia; and one great- great- grand, Michael (and another on the way). Also surviving are a sister, Barbara Carroll of Green Acres, Florida and brother, Hugh “Joe” (Carmen) Snow of Princeton, Illinois and their families. Uncle Bob (and Aunt Marge) were also proud of their nieces, nephews, and great nieces & great nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, brother Kenneth Snow, in-laws, and many friends.
Bob’s graveside service will be held on Monday, July 1st, 2024 at 10:30am at the Packwood/Prairie Center Cemetery (1176 125th St., Packwood, Iowa 52580) with Pastor Harlan “Frosty” VanVoorst officiating, followed by a celebration luncheon at the Packwood Christian Church (205 Church St., Packwood, Iowa 52580). All are welcome to attend the service and luncheon. Memorials may be made in Bob’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the University of Iowa Athletes In Action. They may also be brought to the graveside service, the lunch, or mailed to the family at 302 South 31st Street Apartment A, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa.
