Thomas Langdon Snyder, 73, of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at home.  He was born March 17, 1945, in Lansing, the son of Timothy and Phyllis (Southwell) Snyder.

Tom graduated Portland High School in 1963 and then Ferris State College in 1968 with a marketing degree.  He started his working years in Portland at St. Patrick Catholic School as a math and science teacher for two years followed by being the school principle for another two years.  The next chapter in his career started in 1973 when he took over a third generation family business, Snyder's Insurance Agency.  Tom met the love of his life, Sharon, during this time whom he married in 1980.  Tom and Sharon sold the insurance agency in 1985.  He then had a brief career at Tri-County Electric Company in Portland as the customer relations manager.  This brought him to the most rewarding chapter of his life as Tom and Sharon moved to Ludington to purchase Snyder's Shoreline Inn in 1986. The next 27 years were full of hard work, long hours and fun as he and Sharon built a successful business that they truly loved due to the loyal employees, guests and local business owners.   During this time, they also engaged in business ventures with Snyder's Pier House (ten years) and Snyder's Storage.

Tom was known for his kindness to others and the uncanny ability to bring out the best in people.  He was an extremely hard working man who loved having fun and embraced life.  He never asked anyone to do something he wasn't willing to do himself.  Tom and Sharon's seasonal business allowed them to travel and winter 27 years in Florida Keys.  This time brought much enjoyment to his and Sharon's life together.  It was full of fishing, friends, family, laughter, music and just enjoying the Keys life.  The last two years, Tom and Sharon wintered in Mesa, Arizona.  More than anything else, the time spent with his family was the most important of all.

Tom was an active member of St. Simon Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He was also very active with Help Ministries and the former St. Simon Food Pantry.  Tom served on the Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce and the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau board for several years.  While in Portland, Tom had been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was active in the Portland Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Elks and the Chamber of Commerce, serving as president for four years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sharon along with their children, Robert J. (Deena) Mayhew of Grand Rapids, Laura (Doug) Pung of Portland, Michelle (Paul) Snyder Ardern of Dundalk, Maryland and Angie (Mike) Snyder Kuhn of Ludington; five grandchildren, Alex Pung, Nathan Pung, Serena Kuhn, Emma Adams and Matthew Adams; his sister, Janice (Bob) Switzer of Mesa, Arizona; three nephews, Scott (Esther) Switzer, Jeff Switzer and Tim (Julie) Switzer; and his brother-in-law, Monty (Margaret) Ashton of Ludington.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his infant sister, Jacqueline.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 19, 2018 at St. Simon's Church, in Ludington, with Father Wayne B. Wheeler presiding.  A luncheon in the Family Center will follow.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lakeshore Food Club or Help Ministries.

"Adios and Carpe Diem You Sums of …………."

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com