Tom Roy Snodgrass

Published 2:11 pm Monday, October 23, 2017

Tom Roy Snodgrass, 89 years old, peacefully went home to his Lord and Savior, his guiding force in how he lived his life, on Friday, October 20, 2017, surrounded by his wife and children.

He leaves his wife of 67 years, Frances, along with his daughter, Lynda and husband David Tauber, his son Kevin and wife Ann, and his 6 grandchildren, Courtney and David Tauber, Christin and Wilson Brown, Kevin, John and Megan Snodgrass, and Rebekah Tauber, who joined her savior in 2008.

Born in Floydada, Texas on July 2, 1928, he was the only child of the late Clara and Roy L. Snodgrass. Tom excelled in school and graduated from high school at the young age of 16.  He immediately enlisted in the Marines and served 2 years. Upon his return home, he attended West Texas State University where he met the love of his life, Frances Blessen.  Married in 1950 at the age of 22, Tom and Fran lived in Amarillo for 18 years, employed with Southern Investment Company.  In 1969 he accepted a job with Southern National Bank and moved his family to Houston.  In 1971, he and his family moved to Ft. Worth as VP of Continental National Bank. In 1974, they moved to Port Arthur as he became President and Chairman of the Board of First National Bank. 

In Port Arthur, Tom was instrumental in the relocation of First National Bank to a new facility in Midtown.  Tom served as President of The United Way, Red Cross, CavOILCade, Lions Club, Economic Development Council, Texas Bankers Association and Chamber of Commerce.  He retired from MBANK in 1986 and 3 years later he and his wife moved to Houston to be closer to his children and grandchildren.  He and Fran immediately became active at Second Baptist Church where he served as deacon and they developed many life long friendships. 

In Houston, Tom served as president and board member of several local banks.  He also made several investments resulting in the purchase of For All Occasions which he and Fran managed for many years until selling it in 2012.

Tom loved the outdoors.  He was an avid golfer all his life and loved playing the game twice a week with his golf buddies.  He shot his age 6 times in his 70’s and was the senior club champion at his home course.  He cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren, especially hunting and playing golf.  He was a man that led by example and was a beautiful role model for them.  They all loved being with him as he had a great sense of humor and kept them always laughing.   

The family wants to thank his caregivers, Olga, Elvia, and Stella.  The family could not have enjoyed him as they did and continue to care for him had it not been for them. 

The Celebration Service of Tom’s life will be held in the sanctuary at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway, Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 11:00 am.   A private interment will precede.

Donations may be made to M.D.Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, The Rebekah Anne Tauber Fund , P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210, 1-800-525-5841  in care of Tom Snodgrass.