Abraham Lincoln Snyder, 89, Lexington Park

Abraham Lincoln “Linc” Snyder, 89, of Lexington Park died Feb. 7, 2013, at the Hospice House of St. Mary’s, Calloway.

He was a husband, father and grandfather, a veteran of the World War II, and a talented master carpenter and musician.

He was born in 1923 in Queen Shoals, W.Va., the fourth child of the late Henry B. and the late Daisy White Snyder. He grew up along the banks of the Elk River during the Great Depression.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater of Operations, rising to the rank of sergeant assigned to the 83rd Infantry Division. He was caught in the Siege of Bastogne at the famous Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944. His experience during this hard-fought battle formed the basis for his enduring sense of commitment to his community and his country.

After serving his country, he returned to West Virginia, where he married Helen Frances “Fannie” Crouse of Gauley Mountain, W.Va. and began his career as a carpenter. He also discovered his love for playing guitar and singing and he bought his first Gibson guitar. In early 1960, he, with his wife and son, moved to Indian Head to work at the Naval Ordnance Station as a civil service employee, making Charles County his home. Shortly thereafter, his daughter was born. In the late 1970s, he began working at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. He made many friends along the way and retired after more than 30 years of government service.

After retirement, he put his carpentry skills to use in La Plata at the Civista Medical Center, where he met like-minded musicians who formed with him The Bluegrass Gospel Express. He often played his old Gibson guitar and shared music and fellowship around the community. The Gospel Express played frequently at the Leonardtown Ice Cream Parlor and Theater and Lil’ Margaret’s Bluegrass Festival.

Frances died in 1996.

In 2000, he married Deanna “Dee” Kramer. They enjoyed 12 years of family, friends and joyful fellowship. He enjoyed fellowship and fishing with his buddies, Jack and Cliff.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Conard, Daniel and Howard of West Virginia and Henry of Maryland; and sister, Daisy, who died as a toddler.

He is survived by his wife, Dee; son Jay Snyder; daughter, Daisie Register; and grandsons, Russell Wagoner and Lucas Snyder; stepchildren, Stephanie Kurtz and Kris Foley; stepgrandsons, Ben and Will; nephews, Jim, John, George and Bradley of West Virginia and Peter of Baltimore; his musical brethren from The Gospel Express, Erin Dean Tennyson; and other relatives.

A life celebration was held Feb. 11 at Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A service was held Feb. 12 at Hollywood United Methodist Church, Hollywood. Burial took place at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.