George Snider

DESOTO - George Jacob "Jaybird" Snider, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Manor Court of Carbondale.

George was born on June 8, 1933 in DeSoto to Ralph Snider, Sr. and Flora Myrtle (Williams) Snider. George married Mary Ann Olkoski on April 21, 1961 in Carbondale. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2024. Together they shared 63 years of marriage.

George did a lot over his long life. Early in life, he was an Army veteran servicing in England during the Korean war. Later, he loaded rail cars with coal for a coal mine, he did electrical/insulation work all over Southern Illinois for home owners, and even worked for Vogler Ford as a salesman. For hobbies, he collected baseball caps, jars, Aladdin lamps, and electrical insulators, hunted small game, fished-mostly trout, grew orchids (local orchid society president), and usually had a big vegetable garden. For fun, he took his family camping and trips to Eastern Canada/Northeastern US, Florida, Alaska, and a World's Fair. Later in life he was known for making cheesecakes and being a regular at Gresa's, the local diner.

George is survived by his daughter, Sharli Snider (Jeff Toberman) of De Soto; son, Warren (Fredica) Snider of Carterville; granddaughter, Fern Martin and great-granddaughter, Jasmine Martin; sisters-in-law, Jeanie (Carol) Lingle of Dongola, Karen Hemphill of Hurst and Sharon (Ronald) Brooks of Hammond, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Katherine (Glen), Ralph, Jr (Doris), Peggy, Georgie (Buddy), Caroline (Randy, Sr), and Retha Claire.

A Memorial Service for George will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Pastor Tom Stearns officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow the service for George and Mary Ann in De Soto Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in George's name to St. Francis Care Animal Shelter in Murphysboro.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of George visit www.meredithfh.com