Daniel Lee Snyder

January 23, 1958 - September 16, 2026

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Daniel Lee Snyder

Daniel "Iron Dan" Lee Snyder, age 68, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. True to his nature, he passed away doing exactly what he loved—working the family farm that he built from the ground up for the people he cherished most.

Born on January 23, 1958, in Scott City, Kansas, Dan came from humble beginnings and built a remarkable life of purpose. He was raised in Scott City alongside his five siblings by his parents, Ralph Snyder and Ruth Marie Deatrich. In 1976, he answered the call to service by joining the United States Marine Corps. Over a distinguished 29-year military career, Dan earned his graduate degree from Webster University and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His deployments took him to over 46 countries across the globe, serving his nation with fierce dedication before officially retiring from the Marine Corps in 2006.

Dan was a larger-than-life figure and a builder at heart. In 1997, he co-founded a custom homes business and successfully built homes until the day he passed. Yet, his greatest accomplishment was his life as a faithful servant. Dan loved God’s creation and was a self-described "outside dog"—an avid outdoorsman who was happiest under the open sky. He shared that love for the outdoors on his farm, raising cattle, horses, and his family alongside his wife.

To Dan, retirement was never an option. He lived by the biblical teaching that working and serving God are lifelong duties, fully embodying this ethos by working right up until the moment he was called home. Dan truly lived by the code of God, Family, and Country. His honor, integrity, and profound morals were enduring, and he successfully instilled these core values deep within his family.

His ministry was as practical as it was far-reaching, fostering thousands of relationships throughout his life. For 15 years, Dan served faithfully on the parking team at Cross Assembly Church, welcoming everyone with an open heart. Over that same decade and a half, he taught local Concealed Carry classes, intentionally using the platform to mentor others and leading countless individuals to Christ and to a church home at Cross Assembly. Anyone who knew Dan knew he possessed an unwavering, blunt certainty about his salvation. To him, facing death was not a fear but a homecoming; he knew that our sole purpose on earth is to faithfully serve our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Dan served his country as a Marine, his family as a dedicated father, husband, and provider, and his Savior as a good and faithful servant.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Snyder; his two sons, Austin and Cody Snyder; his daughter, Lauren Snyder; his daughters-in-law’s, Bayley and Grace Snyder; and his precious granddaughter, Lawson Snyder. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Deatrich; his brothers, Duane and Dean Snyder; and his sister, Melanie Franklin. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Snyder, and his brothers, Don and David Snyder.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:50 AM at Cross Assembly Church (Yonkers Location), located off Yonkers Road in Raleigh, NC. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. A burial will take place after the service and will remain private for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Global Missions Fund at Cross Assembly in Raleigh, NC, to honor Dan's lifelong passion for leading others to Christ.

Services

25 Sep

Viewing and Visitation

09:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Cross Assembly 2660 Yonkers Rd Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Get Directions »
25 Sep

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Cross Assembly 2660 Yonkers Rd Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 25, 2026

    To the Snyder family. I want you to know how proud your dad was of all of you. Austin and Cody, your dad loved the men you guys have grown up to be. Respectable and hard working men of character. He loved that you followed his footsteps by becoming Marines. He loved talking about your hunting trips and how you guys would beat him and some of his friends in shooting competitions while you were still teenagers. Lauren, about a month ago he came in and was telling me about how well you were doing in school and how you were at the top of your class. He also talked about how you recently got a part-time job as a waitress and how your boss was really impressed with your work ethic. He told me a story about how when you were much younger, you were on a job site with him and you were cleaning out a ditch and how all of the contractors were blown away at how hard you were working and how good of a job you did. Patti, Dan came in not long ago and started talking about you. I told him that it was funny that he was saying great things about you because just a few minutes before he came into our store, I was sitting at my desk thanking God for my wife. We talked about how important it was to have a Godly wife and I remember him mentioning how accommodating you were to his students. I also want to share something that happened after Dan passed because I know that he would have appreciated it. After I got a call from Austin about what happened, I went out and pulled Dan's cards so that our employees wouldn't pass them out anymore. A customer asked me what I was doing and I told him what happened. I told him that tomorrow wasn't guaranteed and that we need to consider what happens when we die. I said that we would spend eternity separated from God or we would spend eternity with God. His response was something to the extent of, "That's why we just have to be the best we can". I explained to him that I was a Christian and that scripture tells us that we don't go to heaven based on the things we do. I told him what Ephesians 2:8-9 say and how salvation is a free gift, not a result of works and how scripture says that our faith in Jesus and what He did on the cross is how we receive salvation. He had some questions and we talked for a good bit after that. I typed all of that to remind everyone of Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose." "All things" in that passage, include Dan passing away. I know that it can be hard to see the good from this so I wanted to share that Dan's passing led to a gospel conversation and I know he would have been happy about that. Dan was the man. I'm going to miss him. But because of his faith he is better off than any of us are. I'm praying that God gives you guys a peace that surpasses all understanding.

  • September 24, 2026

    I first met Dan the day we broke ground for our new home in 2000. It was a real learning process for my wife and I, because we were building our dream home. There were many challenges with the build. I would tell Dan and Tom that we are putting the "CUSTOM" in the Snyder Hankins custom homes ! The build took us through 9/11 and I saw the true "Patriot" in Dan. I was very proud to be associated with him during those times. As time went on Dan and I became good friends. We invited Dan and Patty to our newly constructed home for parties and they returned the favor when they completed thier home. I spent literally hours talking with Dan about all things from guns to poltics, and of course God and the meaning of life. Dan could be intimidating to those who did not get to know him. Obviously the Marine Corps built him from the ground up. I will miss him a lot. Patty, Fran and I will pray for you and your family to give you strength for the days ahead.

  • September 23, 2026

    I am so sorry to hear this news. When Jimmy told me, It was hard to believe as I'm sure each of you know. Please know prayers are being said to help support you and your family during this tragic time. We always enjoyed the few times we shared.

  • September 23, 2026

    I only met Dan twice and still he left a lasting impression with his warmth, funny stories and his mustache at that time! From the first moment on he tried to make me feel welcome. The memories I gained will stay with me for a life time. I will cherish them and and always enjoy telling them. Growing up in Germany and seeing Dans room full of guns left me in disbelief which led to the question why he needs so many guns. He nonchalantly answered by asking me why I needed so many shoes. I still doft my hat to this witty answer. Thank you for the beautiful memory of that weekend. Patty, Austin, Cody and Lauren my sincere condolences. May you find strenght in the love of fanily and friends. Holding you close in my thoughts during this time. Anna

  • September 22, 2026

    The good Lord doesn't make many like Dan. I was blessed be in the same class as Dan from kindergarten to graduation. He never knew it, but he was a pretty strong influence on me joining the Corps and it was the best thing I ever did. He'll be missed by many. Semper Fi Devil Dog.

  • September 22, 2026

    Dan will be missed forever by those of us who knew and loved him. His smile and light within were like open arms. There was just something about Dan. My husband, Alan, who is also in Heaven, and I liked Dan Snyder the first moment we met him back in 2004! We were also home builders in Raleigh/Chapel Hill and served on many neighborhood builder teams for over a span of 15 years. It was such a pleasure to work along side of Dan and his partner, as we all did what we loved, helped families build their dream home. Alan and I were blessed to become friends with Dan and Patti over those years as we attended the same builder social events and fun gatherings, as well as saw each other on the jobsites or builder meetings. We just loved being around this special loving couple. It was like Dan and Alan became fast friends from the moment they met. They shared their faith and family stories whether sitting in their trucks, walking a jobsite, or over lunch. Special memories. Maybe God will have those two building some of those "Mansions in Heaven" 🙏 "Patti, May God continue to comfort you and your family. May His Love, Strength, Peace, and Hope cover each of your hearts today and all the days and nights ahead. Take care of yourself. With love." 🙏🕯❤️ Sharon

  • September 21, 2026

    Dan and I met at the Field Artillery Advanced Course in '92, in addition to our profession our shared love of the outdoors brought us together and we were great friends for the rest of our lives. Dan will always be my friend. My three sons called him Uncle Dan and he acted like he was. His larger than life personality and hugh heart always made me look forward to our conversations. I'm so sad my friend passed so young and even more do for Patti and the kids and now little Lawson. I would remiss if I didn't tell a story that would bring that twinkle to Dan's eye whenever we recalled it. Dan and I were stationed at Camp Lejuene, we hadn't been there long when I suggested we go fishing on my boat, he immediately agreed and we were joined by a fellow Marine. Keeping in mind the three of us were Captain's at the time, and the fish just weren't biting. I suggested that we water ski instead, everyone agreed that was a good idea. We of course didn't have bathing suits and didn't want to soak our shorts, so tighty whitey's it was, for two of us. Dan was going commando but that of course didn't stop him and across New River he went. Fortunately this was well before everyone had a camera in their pocket, so our careers survived. We laughed about that afternoon for the many years that followed and I'm smiling as I write this now. So while I'm sad, I'll always smile at the memories of my friend. RIP Bother

  • September 21, 2026

    So thankful to of met Dan and get to hear some of his stories. What a great man and light to be around. I'll never forget a "Dan hug." Sending so much love to the Snyder family, praying for comfort during this time ❤️

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