Daniel Dougles “Dan” Snow, age 59, was born on May 28, 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He passed away on December 5, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. Dan lived in Castroville, Texas with his wife Natalie and their four Great Danes.
Dan met Natalie in 2002. They were married on February 14, 2007 and were together for 17 years.
Survivors include his wife, Natalie Snow; sons, Matthew Douglas Pastorius and Daniel Leland Snow; daughter, Ashlee Marie Snow; stepsons, James Matthew Barth (Jennifer) and Mickael Nathan Barth (Briana); stepdaughters, Tayce Kate Tye (Eric) and Alizabeth Glynn Preusquia (Anthony); grandchildren, Zachary, Myiah, Cheyenne, James, Austin, Holden, Brooklynn and Sebastian; mother, Janet E. Straitiff Schlemmer (Robert W. Sr.); father, Daniel R. Snow (Carrol); sisters, Laura Baker (Frank) and Lisa Snow; father-in-law, Glen Grenentz; brother-in-law, Derek Gernentz (Clarrisa); nieces and nephews, Emily, Guthrie, Eli, Aurelia, Seth, Colton, Ty and Lindsey.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Buckie; grandparents, Straitiff and Snow; grandson, Joshua and mother-in-law, Nancy Gernentz.
Dan was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and receivedan Honorable Discharge. He retired as a manager from Boeing Aircraft after working for fifteen years in Military Contract Aircraft Maintenance.
It’s not a wonder why so many people loved him. He was an incredible friend. Nothing would stand in his way to help a friend out whenever he was physically able. He was a loving husband. Randomly he would bring Natalie flowers, not because he had done something wrong, but to remind her he had thought about her that day. To also remind her how much he loved her, he knew flowers were her favorite things to receive. He did his best to be a father to his three children from the distance between them, even going as far to visit as much as his bills and bank would allow him. He did an exceptional job at being a step-father/second dad to his four step-children. He would do his best to understand their problems, help and understand the situation, but most of all he loved them as his own children. The best gift that came from Dan was his love for his grandchildren, and their love for him. He loved those kids so much part of his fight was to try and stay in their lives as long as he could.
Dan grew up with his two sisters, mother and father in Washington Township, Pennsylvania. He went to Kiski Area High School. He married twice, having three beautiful children. His Grandfather told him in his younger years that you are going to have to work to find something you love. Following his grandfather’s advice, he found his love for airplanes and motorcycles. He chose to put his passion for planes into a career, and his passion for motorcycles his hobby. In 1978, he joined the Air Force at Dover AFB, Delaware. While in service he received the following: Aircraft Maintenance Specialist -431522, Air Force – Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Humanitarian Service- Medal (for the recovery of the bodies in the November 1978 Jones Town massacre in North Guyana). He was Honorably Discharged in 1980. In 1996, Dan graduated from the Aeronautical Maintenance Technician Program from Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, with a Degree of Associate in Specialized Technology. He also received a Certificate of Fundamental Aircraft Maintenance, and Airframe & Powerplant Certificate. Dan started his career in 1998 as an A&P Lead/Supervisor at Aero Corp in Lake City, FL. He then went on to work for Dee Howard in San Antonio, Texas before moving spend fifteen years at Boeing in San Antonio, Texas. He eventually ended his career at Northrop Grumman, Lake Charles, Louisiana. While working at Boeing, he met his forever wife Natalie in 2002 at a friend’s BBQ. From that night, not only did he gain an amazing wife, but also four amazing stepchildren. For seventeen years, Dan showed how much of a wonderful and inspiring husband he could be.
His passion for motorcycles was astounding, he rode his bike, “Boris,” in the Texas heat, rain, cold and sleet. He would refuse any car ride to work, he’d rather ride. He was stubborn that way. He loved riding in the hill country with all the hills, curves and sharp turns. “0 to 130” was his motto. He loved any and all adventures. Watching sports [his football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers], fishing, hunting, and canoeing, were some of the many things he loved. His favorite thing to do for relaxation was floating down the river. He also enjoyed going on bike runs and rallies with his friends. He especially loved spending time with his family, any opportunity that was given. Dan really did enjoy life to the fullest. He had one of those smiles that you would never forget, and he believed in fighting for the underdog. If he thought something wasn’t right, he would speak up. Even if he knew it would cause trouble, because it was the right thing to do. This applied at home and at work. One of the things he would always say was “What doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.” Dan fought a long hard battle with kidney failure. He didn’t want to give up and he fought with all the strength he had. But the disease put too much stress on his lungs and his heart. The disease won the battle, on December 5th at 1:25 pm, as he laid wrapped in Natalie’s arms, with his mother at his bed side. Jesus took him to Heaven that day.
As stubborn as Dan was, he had so much love to give to those he felt needed it. He inspired many with his thoughts, his deeds, and his heart. He was truly an honorable, trustworthy, and wonderful man, that will continue to live on through all those he has touched.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2:45 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Committal Shelter #5) in San Antonio, Texas.