John Snell Iii

Our loving father, father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa, John Joseph Snell III, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and listening to his favorite music., Sunday, October 30, 2022, He was eighty-two. John was born June 4, 1940, in Longmont, CO to John and Barbara Snell. On August 27, 1960, in Westminster, CO, John married the love of his life, Sharon.  John was a graduate of the University of Colorado, School of Music, with a bachelor’s degree in music education. He taught instrumental and vocal music in the public schools and played professionally in dance bands.  While in college he belonged to the Denver Musicians Union and played guitar in concert with the notable Henry Mancini at Red Rocks Amphitheater.  He learned guitar from Stacy “Mickey” McKee in Denver, Colorado, who was guitarist with the Les Brown Orchestra.  In 1965 John and Sharon moved to Durango, CO and he was the band director for 16 years at Ignacio High School. In 2001 John and Sharon moved to Fruita, CO to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  John worked part-time at the Middle Schools in Mesa Valley School District 51 and retired from the school district in 2016. He enjoyed, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and enjoyed his years of teaching music and giving guitar lessons. His greatest treasures in life:  Meeting the love of his life, Sharon, in Latin Class, his children John Snell and Allyson Kenagy, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, Lifetime Achievement Award for his Outstanding Contribution to the music community and 16 years of exemplary service to Fruita Middle School.

John is survived by his son, John W. Snell (Ronda-Wife), and daughter Allyson R. Kenagy (Rick-Husband); Grandchildren: Maegan Ralston (Nate-Husband), Michele Cotton (Jared-Husband), Luke Snell (Bethany-Wife), Tyler Kenagy (Regina-Wife), Hans Snell (Kaitlyn-wife) and Ben Snell. Greatgrandchildren: Blakely Ralston, Carter Ralston, Judah Snell, Isaiah Snell, Henry Cotton, Landon Cotton, Eleanor Cotton, Micah Snell, Ezekiel Snell and soon to be Baby Kenagy.

Memorial Donations can be made to: Ignacio School District Band Program and the Mesa County Valley School District 51 Music Department.