Harold E. Snack
Harold Ewing Snack donned his wings, dusted off his halo, and flew home to Heaven on August 18, 2026.
Harold was born on December 2, 1931, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Snack. He was the youngest of eleven children. His mother, who he had no memory of, passed away when Harold was very young, and he was lovingly cared for by his sister who was only two years older than him, Lavina Bell Snack, whom he affectionately called “Jo.”
Harold grew up on Mill Run, where his childhood was filled with adventure. He spent his days exploring Zanesville on his bicycle, affectionately named Ol’ Mert. Harold would gather metal and junk and trade it in for a little spending money, which he routinely spent at the Liberty and Imperial Theaters downtown. It was there that he developed his lifelong fondness for the grand adventures of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Audie Murphy, John Wayne, Tarzan, The Green Hornet, and many, many more.
If Harold wasn’t on Ol’ Mert or at the movie theater, he was exploring and hunting the woods around the family shack on Mill Run. He loved telling tales of his many adventures, often accompanied by one or more of his favorite dogs. He could also spend hours telling stories about old John Logan in the bear skin coat with his guitar who would play and sing with Harold, and the many other characters who graced that dirt road he called home.
As a young man, Harold and his brother, Nip, built the house on Chug Run one board at a time, hauling materials piece by piece in the back of his old car. That home would become the place where Harold spent the rest of his days.
On August 2, 1964, Harold married the love of his life, his “Softy,” his “Pattywagon,” Patricia Kelso, at Duncan Falls United Methodist Church. When Harold married Patty, he became an honorary Kelso—and he embraced the family as his own.
Some of Harold’s fondest memories were of time spent together with all the kids and Vernon and Pearl, whom he lovingly called “Mom.” Harold often spoke of Pearl with great affection and loved remembering her cooking, especially her amazing homemade dinner rolls.
Together, Patty and Harold built a strong and beautiful life. They went on countless adventures and truly knew how to have a good time. Although they worked hard, they always made room for laughter, fun, and the people they loved.
Their home became the place to be for any number of spoiled nieces and nephews. There was always plenty to eat, a warm place to sleep, and—most importantly—a good laugh waiting for anyone who walked through the door.
Harold worked at Essex Wire, Custom Coil, Kelso Plumbing, and Century National Bank, from which he eventually retired.
Harold was an avid camper, fisherman, football fan, bird watcher, squirrel feeder, deer admirer, and dog lover. He found joy in the simple things and never seemed to run out of stories to tell.
Harold loved life, and it showed—in his abundant joy, his boisterous laughter, his loving spirit, and his kind heart. Harold had a way of making people feel welcome, and his stories, laughter, and unmistakable personality will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
There has never been, and never will be, another Harold Snack.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Vernon Kelso; his mother-in-law, Pearl “Mom” Kelso; his brothers, Joseph Snack, Robert Snack, Ernest Snack, Donald Snack, Russell Snack, Homer Snack, Herbert “Pete” Snack, Harry “Nip” Snack; his sister, Marjorie “Sis” Massey; his sister, Lavina “Jo” Snack; his brothers-in-laws, Bob Kelso, Russell Kelso, Rodger Kelso, and Stanley Kelso; and his sister-in-law, Bonnie Jenkins.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia “Patty” Snack; his very special pal, Rusty; his brothers-in-law, Steve (Cathy) Kelso of Zanesville, Roy (Becky) Kelso and Ron (Sam) Kelso of Chandlersville; his sister-in-law, Barb “Bird Legs” (Mike) Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended children, loved ones, and dear friends.
Special thank you to Becky, Selene, and his other special girls from Genesis Hospice who became his friends and so lovingly cared for him.
If you had the privilege of knowing Harold, you were lucky. If he called you friend, you were blessed.
We all love you, Snackie, and thank you for all of the memories.
Happy trails, you ornery flicker. Until we meet again.
There will be a celebration of Harold’s life at 1 PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Prophets Park Amrou Grotto, 2560 Old River Road in Zanesville, Ohio, 43701.
www.farusfh.com
