In Memoriam: Kevin Snyders, CRNA (1956-2024)

Kevin Eugene Snyders, CRNA, of Augusta, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the age of 67.

Kevin was born to Conrad and Bernadine Snyders on May 2, 1956, in Carrollton, Illinois. Kevin grew up in Batchtown, Illinois with his siblings Russ, Rick, Jeanne, and Kenny working, hunting, playing sports, and proudly winning a championship BB shooting trophy. He graduated from Calhoun High School in 1974 as the valedictorian and as an all-state saxophone player.

Kevin met the love of his life, Susie Brinkman, in 1975 in 4H Club and never let go. Kevin pursued Susie tirelessly for five years through a long-distance relationship, teaching Susie how to drive a clutch, avoiding mean badgers, and having romantic dinner dates at the Ramada Inn in Alton, Illinois. Kevin finally won the race for Susie’s heart; they married on June 9, 1979. They worked as a team through the early years of their marriage to obtain their educational goals.

Kevin graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. He worked as a registered nurse on cardiac care units for two years before going on to earn his Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist license from Decatur Memorial Hospital – Sangamon State University in Decatur, Illinois. Always a life-long learner, Kevin returned to school to achieve his family nurse practitioner license from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, while he and Susie also raised their family.

Kevin and Susie have called both Illinois and Missouri home. They purchased their first house in Decatur. They then moved to Jefferson City, Missouri where they quickly became a family of four after they were surprised to learn they were having twin boys, Ben and Brian. They lived in Jefferson City for five years before relocating to Rolla, Missouri, where they completed their family with their daughter, Whitney. They lived, worked, and built lifelong friendships in Rolla. After raising their family, Kevin and Susie moved to Augusta, Missouri. They quickly realized that Augusta would be their final home. Kevin loved his home, friends, and life in Augusta.

Throughout his life, Kevin was proud to work as an RN, CRNA, and FNP. He spent 37 years of his career working alongside his amazing colleagues at Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. While there, he helped countless patients and loved his work in anesthesia and pain management. He also served small communities by providing locum anesthesia care. He took on multiple professional leadership roles during his career, including serving as the president of the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Kevin had a life full of achievements, but he was most proud of the family he built with Susie. Kevin was the definition of an amazing father. He coached soccer, taught math (with a sharp pencil!), and supported them in all endeavors. Kevin and Susie gave, and continue to give, a shining example of how to parent.

Papa Kevin loved his four grandchildren (Quinn, Luke, Sloane, and Sam) so very, very much, and couldn’t wait to meet his daughter Whitney’s first child, a soon to arrive baby boy. Papa Kevin is known by his grandchildren as always willing to play any game, indulge them (mostly) in their inspired ideas, and demonstrate what patience truly is. They remember him for sneaking candy, telling bedtime stories, teaching them to fish, and as their very best buddy. He became an expert in Pokemon, fairies, superheroes, mermaids, and anything else they dreamed up. Papa Kevin, although present for only a short, precious time in their lives, showered them with so much love that they will feel it for the rest of their lives.

Kevin is survived, loved, and missed by his wife, Susie (nee Brinkman), his sons Ben (Rachael) and Brian (Cora), and his daughter Whitney (Hareesh Pillai) Snyders; grandchildren Quinn, Sloane, Luke, and Sam; brothers Rick (Jo Ann), Kenny (Carrie), Russ (Marietta), and sister Jeanne (Mark) Friedel; parents-in-law, Jo Ann and Vince Brinkman; siblings-in-law, Lynn (Joe) Buchheit, Barb Brinkman, Dan (Dena) Brinkman, Joyce (Galen) Hively; his pets, Asa and Josie; and countless other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Conrad and Bernadine Snyders.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for the Town Square renovation in Augusta, because Kevin loved spending time in this park with his grandchildren. If inclined, please make checks payable to the “Town of Augusta” with “Kevin Snyders” written in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:

Town of Augusta
PO Box 41
Augusta, MO 63332

You may also send a Venmo to the Augusta, MO Town Chairman Joe Buchheit @ Joe-Buchheit.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, Illinois has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

This obituary was originally published on advantagenews.com.