Wingate – Joseph W. Snellenbarger, age 93 of rural Wingate, passed away at 8:25 PM Saturday, December 19, 2020 in Franciscan Health Hospital, Crawfordsville.  Joe was born August 28, 1927 in Grinnelll, Iowa to the late William M. and Pearl Wild Snellenbarger.  He married Louise Wininger in Crawfordsville, August 27, 1949 and she survives.

Joe's family bought a farm and moved from Iowa to Montgomery County.  He attended New Richmond High School and graduated with the class of 1945.  He joined the Merchant Marines and served from August 30, 1945-May 9, 1947.  Joe started farming east of Wingate in 1947.  In 1957 Joe started working in the Wingate Garage, owned by Chet Holmes. He only expected to work for 3 days, but 14 years later, he purchased the garage and wrecker service.  He owned/operated the garage/wrecker service until 1990 when he retired.  The garage was the gathering place of the locals, where stories were told and laughs/planks were plentiful.  Joe was one of the 'Four Horsemen', even though there were 5 (Jr. Haas, Bill Marquess, Don Gross, Harley Peevler).  Their pranks and stories are still being told.

Joe was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, American Legion and attended New Hope Chapel.  He loved visits with grandchildren/great-grandchildren and attending their school events.  Over the years, Joe never turned down a customer, friend, or family member in need, regardless of the time or day. His ever-present smile and jovial personality will be sorely missed.  At the age of 15, Joe took off on his own to Kansas, where he joined a 'custom cutter' wheat harvesting team.  He spent the entire summer working and following the wheat harvest.

Surviving are: three sons; Ron (Diana) Snellenbarger of Wingate, Steve (Kim) Snellenbarger of Monticello and Jeff (Cindy) Snellenbarger) of New Richmond.  Grandchildren: Kelli (Marc) Welch of Crawfordsville, Cameron (Meaghan) Snellenbarger of Crawfordsville, Rachel Snellenbarger of Texas, Ross (Stacey) Snellenbarger of Brownsburg, Shelby (Ethan) Redmon of Crawfordsville, Logan (Katie) Snellenbarger of Whitestown.  Ten great-grandchildren also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; David and William.

Private visitation will be held at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate.  Public graveside service, 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery North, (just past the Mausoleum, then to the right), with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating.  Memorial contributions may be directed to American Heart Assn. or American Diabetes Foundation.  Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or leave share a memory.  Follow the recommendations of the Indiana State Board of Health for COVID safety and please distance and wear a mask.