Attended Oklahoma City University on a track scholarship for two years before entering the Merchant Marine Academy in 1942 and graduating as an ensign in 1945. After the Navy, returned to college and earned a B.S. degree in education and a Master’s degree in physical education from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, and was a member of the 1948 Big Ten All-Star track team. Named Mississippi ASA commissioner in 1956 and served 36 years. Led the Biloxi recreation department from 1953 to 1974. He also coached track at Biloxi High School and led youth recreation activities in the school system from 1951 to 1956. After his retirement in 1974, he began a second career as assistant recreation department director for Kessler Air Force Base, where he served for more than 20 years. He was cited as being the key organizer and co-chair of the Biloxi Tricentennial’s Tri-Academy Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Meet, held in Biloxi in April 1999. In 2001, the Donald Snyder Sr. Community Center was dedicated in Biloxi, MS. 2001, honoring Snyder for dedication to the field of recreation and serving as a coach, teacher and example to countless young people.
