John Alan Snepp

John Alan Snepp Sr., 75, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday night, December 22, 2020 at his daughter’s home in South Whitley. Born December 14, 1945 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of John J. and Helen (Barker) Snepp.

Growing up in rural South Whitley, John was a typically adventurous boy and learned the value of hard work being on a farm. While attending South Whitley High School, John played basketball and ran track. He would graduate with the Class of 1964 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. With the Air Force, John was stationed across the world in Africa and Germany before being honorably discharged in August 1968 as a Sergeant from McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.

John would eventually receive an Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech in Industrial Management throughout his work career. John had worked for Scott Paper Company in Waynedale and moved to Wyoming to work in the oil rig and coal mine industry. John would move back to Indiana to the Churubusco area to help start up a plant in Fort Wayne and for 32 years, he went on to drive semis for Estes Express Line.  After retiring in 2010, John decided to go back to work for Estes on part time basis to help his fellow drivers.

A skilled woodworker, John found relaxation in refinishing furniture and watching Westerns, especially if it had John Wayne as the star. In his younger years, John found the excitement and joy in racing Late Model cars and riding motorcycles. For 52 years, John was a member of the Columbia City American Legion, Post 98.

John is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John Jr. and Melanie Snepp; daughter, Kimberley Callison; daughter and son-in-law, Christelle and Chad Snyder; sisters, Violet McNeal and Lynnette Mossburg; grandchildren, Blake Chestnut, Cody Chestnut, Colton Snepp, Shelby Callison, Garrett Callison, Layne Snyder and Reid Snyder; great-granddaughter, Cambry; and his children’s mother, Helen “Rose” (Gawthrop) Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Snepp; granddaughter, Camdyn Lynn Snyder; and sister, Rose Marie Daniels.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2020 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Face masks are required for attendance. Due to the current Covid Restrictions, there will be a private service for the immediate family but it may be watched live on Facebook through DeMoney Grimes Live at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday with Pastor Brad Darr officiating. Military rites being rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send John's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.