Mr. Rex Keith Snider Sr.

Rex Keith Snider Sr, age 91, of Millbrook, Alabama, passed away on February 20, 2026, surrounded by family at his home. He was born on March 17, 1934, in Fairmont, West Virginia to Jack and Mary Snider. He dedicated his life to his career, service, family, and faith. He graduated from West Virginia University (WVU) in 1956 and served in the US Air Force for 28 years in the field of Radars, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, Procurement and ROTC. In 1957, he was assigned to Camp Humphrey in South Korea. In his spare time, he worked at the Garden of Children Orphanage and was instrumental in the adoption of Korean War orphans to families in the U.S. In 1966, he earned a Master of Science degree from the University of North Dakota, which led to a position with Lockheed Corporation, where he worked in the renowned “Skunk Works” division under Kelly Johnson on advanced aircraft development projects. In 1968, he served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for combat operations during the TET Offensive. In 1976, he was assigned as the Professor of Military Science at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. The college was under ROTC probation and within a year Lt. Col. Snider reinvigorated the program from 8 students to 63 students, with several future General Officers. In addition, he established the ROTC program at nearby Slippery Rock State College. From 1984-2020, he worked at Troy State University Montgomery (TSUM) where he served in several roles, ranging from Statistics Professor to Director of Accreditation to the Assistant to the President. One key accomplishment at TSUM was his leadership in the establishment of the Rosa Parks Museum, now visited by over two million tourists a year. He also was a very active member and leader in the Millbrook Presbyterian Church (PCA). He joined the church in 1981 and served until 2025 as a Deacon, Elder, Ruling Elder, Emeritus Elder and Administrator of the Church. He also worked in the Southeast Alabama Presbytery as the Clerk of the Session from 1997-2005. His greatest joy came through church mission trips, serving others through hands-on construction projects after Hurricane Katrina, on Native American reservations in the Northwest, the Palmer Home for Children in Mississippi and the Ridge Haven Christian Camp in North Carolina. Rex was patriotic, always loyal to West Virginia and enjoyed his life in Alabama where he lived 47 years. He was known by many for his hard work, love of sports, engaging personality and incredible administrative abilities. He demonstrated strong organizational leadership during his seven-year tenure as USAF ROTC Chief of Staff and continued to serve with dedication for decades as Administrator of Millbrook Church. He is survived by Elizabeth Ellen Shumate Snider from Beckley, West Virginia, his beloved wife of 69 years; his children: Rex Snider Jr and Mary Marlowe Snider Dowe (Kevin); his grandchildren: Stephen Snider (Jennifer), Leisa Stepp (Ross), Liz Filmore (William), Katherine Snider, Will Dowe, and Anthony Snider; great-grandchildren: Noah Snider, Londen Pickett, Evan Snider, Luke Stepp, Judson Rex Snider, Stanley Stepp, Frances Filmore, Claire Robinson; two loving sisters: Barbara Samples, Southern Pines, North Carolina and Carolyn Munz (Fred), Fairmont, West Virginia; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rex was preceded in death by his parents. A public Celebration of Life will be held at Millbrook Presbyterian on February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Address: 3480 Main St Millbrook, Alabama 36054 A public burial with full military honors will be held at Brookside Funeral Home on February 27, 2026, to follow the service and should begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. Address: 3360 Brookside Drive Millbrook, Alabama 36054. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Millbrook Presbyterian Church General Fund P.O. Box 426 Millbrook, Alabama 36054. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium, and Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, Alabama, directing.