Luke M. Snyder

Luke Matthew Snyder, 85, of Allentown Pike, Ontelaunee Township, died May 3rd at 6:00 am in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center, where he had been since April 28th.

He was the husband of Ruth Marie (Kunkleman) Snyder.

Born in Emmaus, Lehigh County, he was a son of late Howard C. and Emma V. (Mogel) Snyder.

He was a 1936 graduate of Ontelaunee High School and a 1941 graduate of Ursinus College with a B.S. in Chemistry.

Snyder worked for 43 years as a chemist at Carpenter Technology, Reading, before retiring in January 1984.

He was a Army Veteran of WWII where he received a Bronze Star.

Snyder was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Ontelaunee Township where he was a Sunday school teacher, Elder and on the Consistory for over 60 years, last serving in 2000.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Chandler Lodge #207, Reading.

Snyder was a life member and 50 plus year member with both POS of A of Centerport and International Order of Odd Fellows, Leesport.

He was a Democratic committeeman for Ontelaunee Township for a number of years and also served as the Vice-Chairman of the Berks County Democratic Committee for a number of years.

Snyder later worked as a tip staff for the Berks County Court House, from 1984-1994.

He was also a 33 year member of the Berks County Umpires Association where he served as Past President and Chairman of the Rules Committee.

Snyder is also survived by a daughter, Mary Ann (Snyder) Bowman of Bern Township and three sons, David A. of Maidencreek Township, Richard L. of Centre Township and Howard L. of Bern Township.

Other survivors include five grandchildren, Amanda Bowman, Travis Bowman, Kate Snyder, Lauren Snyder and Megan Snyder.

Services will be Thursday at 2:30 pm in Trinity United Church of Christ, 17 North Centre Avenue, Leesport, Pa 19533. Viewing will be Thursday 1:00pm until time of service. Burial will be in Leesport Cemetery, Ontelaunee Township. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the church's memorial fund at the above address. Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.