Lawrence Edward Snowden

Lawrence Edward Snowden, Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Seminole, at the age of 96. Lawrence was born on November 11, 1927, in Seminole, to Lewis William and Dewey (Lane) Snowden. Lawrence married Nancy Allan on June 22, 1951. They celebrated 69 years of marriage on June 22, 2020, before Nancy passed away on July 25, 2020. 

On January 8, 1954, Lawrence and Nancy’s only son, Larry Edward Snowden, was born. Larry went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2012, breaking both Lawrence and Nancy’s hearts. Lawrence often lamented that it should have been him that left this earth instead of Larry, as he wished Larry had gotten the chance to live a full and long life. Lawrence, Nancy, and Larry are having a glorious reunion in Heaven, rejoicing that they are together again.

Lawrence was raised in Strother, Oklahoma and attended Strother School through the 7th grade before leaving school to begin working. He worked as a roustabout for W.T. Morris, doing all types of oil field work. In 1946, he was drafted into the Army of the United States. He enlistment date with the Army was on March 1, 1946, and he served as a Private First Class with the 35th Infantry Regiment in Otsu, Japan, during the occupation of Japan following the conclusion of World War II. Although he did not see combat, he was proud of the time he served. He was honorably discharged from the Army on September 17, 1947. Following his return to the United States, he did various oil field jobs, eventually becoming an oil field pumper, a position he held until the end of his career.

Lawrence was happiest at his home in Strother. He was more than happy to sit on the front porch and have a conversation with anyone who happened to stop by the house. He and Nancy ran cattle on their property and raised a large garden every year. Lawrence also raised several acres of sweet corn, which he shared with anyone who wanted it. He would take you out to the corn patch, show you which row to start in, and tell you to pick as much as you wanted! He refused to accept payment from anyone for corn or any other vegetables picked from the garden. He also never turned anyone down who wanted to pick fruit from the various fruit trees on the property. He and Nancy were blessed to have many friends in the community; the type of friends Lawrence and Nancy would do anything for, and the type of friends who would do anything for them as well. Lawrence was always rich with friendship, and he treasured those relationships.  

Lawrence also loved his grandchildren, Beth and Jeff. He carried their photos in his wallet at all times and especially loved when they came to Strother to spend time with him. He took them all around the property on his ATVs, let them help him feed the horses and cattle, taught them to care for and ride horses, and allowed them to eat as many blackberries from the vine as they wanted. He even purchased a Shetland pony and a small buggy for the sole purpose of taking his grandchildren for rides!  

Lawrence lived a long and full life and was ready to depart from this earth when the Lord called his name. 

Lawrence is survived by two grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Snowden Deason and her husband Tony, and Jeffrey E. Snowden; daughter-in-law, Pamela A. Snowden; one great-granddaughter, Jordan E. Deason; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Snowden; his son, Larry E. Snowden; his parents, Lewis and Dewey Snowden; three sisters, Maxine Wyatt, Elaine Cline, and Barbara Risingbear; and one brother, Elmer Snowden. 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2024, at Little Cemetery with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Casket bearers will be Casey Chesser, Kevin Chesser, David Post, Tony Perry, Joe French, and Dustin Shepherd.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Avonlea Cottage and Humanity Hospice for caring for and loving Lawrence.