Richard Harvey Snell

Richard Harvey Snell, 80, passed from this life September 13, 2014. Born in Englewood, Kansas, March 6, 1934, he was the second of two sons to James Philip and Marguerite Littig Snell. His brother, Glen Snell survives. Although his early years growing up during the Dust Bowl in southwestern Kansas were poor, they were rich with the carefree adventures of childhood. Richard faithfully attended the Christian Church as a child where the message of the gospel sank into his heart; and at an early age he made the decision to become a Christian by being immersed into Christ. As a teen he committed his life to Christian service during a youth Bible camp. After graduating high school in 1953, in Ashland, Kansas, he attended Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While there he met his sweetheart, Thelma Sack, from Longmont, Colorado. They were married August 22, 1954. During college his first preaching position in Bluff City, Kansas began his service in the ministry which spanned 52 years. After graduation from Bible College in 1957, Richard served as minister in Christian Churches and Churches of Christ in Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, Wyoming and Indiana. He ministered to the 13th and Tyler Church of Christ in Lexington from 1972 to 1980, and again from 1983 to 1986. Many of the churches he served were small and required him to work a secular job to provide for his family. He retired from the paid ministry in 2007, and returned to Lexington where he served as elder in the Church of Christ and enjoyed driving school buses for the Lexington Public Schools until his death. His faith in Jesus Christ and belief in New Testament Christianity was unwavering. He loved to study the Bible and teach its truths to young and old, regardless of their church affiliation or lack thereof. He kindly, but boldly preached of salvation, righteous living, and the judgment to come. Richard’s example in the home was consistent with his preaching. He and his wife, Thelma, had four children. Mike (Shirley) Snell, Lexington; Lauren (Donnetta) Snell, North Platte; Karen (Merle) Pope, Topeka, Kansas; and Tim (Mindy) Snell, Menasha, Wisconsin. They all survive. His godly life has also been an influence on his 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Richard not only loved the Creator, he loved the wonderful outdoors He created. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing. The camaraderie he shared with family and friends during these times will be missed. Many individuals across the nation have been encouraged and blessed by Richard’s love, compassion, faithful life, and even his humor. His genuine smile, friendliness, and love for God were signature qualities hundreds of people have commented on since his passing. While we have said, “Good-bye” on earth to his great man, others who knew and loved him who had passed on before are saying, “Hello” again. He is rejoicing in the presence of Almighty God – whom he faithfully served. All who knew him are encouraged to follow his example of obedience to Christ and make sure of an eternal reward in heaven. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. a Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Nathan Rhea and Jesse Jauregui officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Sudan African Mission or 13th & Tyler Church of Christ. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.