Rodney Leroy Snyder, age 59, of Battle Creek, MI passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Battle Creek, MI on November 30, 1957, the son of Leroy and Dorothy (Bailey) Snyder. He was an Athens High School graduate. After high school, he went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at Lake Superior State. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a Technical Sergeant, Security Forces Craftsman and military working dog trainer. He proudly served his country for 20 years, never once considering it a job. It was what he loved to do. Rodney was stationed all over the United States and even spent time in Okinawa and the Philippines. While in the Philippines, he sponsored and managed a basketball team. During his time in service he had the privilege of escorting the Pope John Paul II. Another time he was responsible for securing Vice President Dan Quayle's plane. Rodney married Alma David in the Philippines in 1995. Rodney enjoyed hunting, fishing, vacationing, and watching sports. Most of all he loved his family. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Alma, of 21 years; children, Tiffany (Mark) Ruggles, Nicholas (Kellie) Snyder, Nikita Snyder; parents, Leroy and Dorothy Snyder; sister, Denise (Melvin) Minniear; brother, Steven (Joni) Snyder; grandchildren, Makayla Ruggles, Natalie Ruggles, RaeLynn Ruggles, Eunico Chasel; step-children, Russel (Charito) David, and Riorae (Walter) Ryan. Family will receive friends at the Kempf Family Funeral Home, Marshall Chapel, 723 Old US 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068, Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Kathleen Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family prefers memorial contributions directed to the American Cancer Society.