Russell C. Sneddon, Jr

Russell C. Sneddon, Jr.

BAKER, Florida - Russell Clyde Sneddon, Jr., age 74, of Baker, Florida, passed away from complications due to chemotherapy on Friday, February 6, 2009 in Biloxi, Mississippi at the VA Clinic.

Russ was born August 8, 1934 in Ogden, Utah, to Annabelle Longstroth and Russell "Scott" Sneddon. He was a world class husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Everyone who came into contact with him became a better person and everyone who knew him became and instant lifelong friend. He had a positive persona all the time, even when fighting his illness. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a faithful priesthood holder.

Russ had many notable achievements in his early years. He served as the National Executive Director of the US Junior Olympic program and was the founder of the Canadian Junior Olympic Program. Russ was also the director of the fifth World Judo Championship in Salt Lake City. He coached football, baseball, basketball, swimming, and lacrosse at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. He began his life in Florida as the director/curator of the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum. As director he obtained over 20 aircraft creating a beautiful local place for military and non-military to see a part of America''s history. He also organized the Emerald Coast Sister Cities program for FWB, Destin, Crestview, and Niceville linking them in friendship with four cities in France. He was also instrumental in creating the Panhandle Historic Preservation Alliance with over 30 museums from Tallahassee to Pensacola.

Russ served his country joining the US Navy in 1952. After his military service, he received his Bachelors and Masters degree in Education Administration from the University of Utah.

He won several golden gloves for boxing and built a par three golf course on his 20 acres in Baker, FL.

Russ is survived by his wife of 32 years, Juanita Chapman Sneddon of Baker, FL; children, Heidi Surheinrich of Paducah, KY; Geri (Scott) Sheppard of Santa Rosa, CA; Jeff (Leslie) Sneddon of Richmond, ME; Lance (Tara) Sneddon of Baker, FL; and Luke Sneddon of Salt Lake, UT; grandchildren, Jody, Emily, and Jeanne Surheinrich, Marston and Isaiah Sneddon; his former wife, Ardeth Hart Sneddon; sisters, Donna Evans, Linda Mullen, Annabelle Prisbrey, and brother, Tim Sneddon and numerous nieces and nephews.

His brother Scott, mother and father all preceded him in death.

A memorial service was held Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3 Del Cerro Camino Dr., Crestview, FL 32536.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14 at 11 a.m. at the Ben Lomond 11th Ward Chapel, 3610 North 650 East, North Ogden, UT.

Friends may call at the Ward Chapel on Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden UT 84403.

Funeral Directors, Lindquist''s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N Washington Blvd, North Ogden, UT 84414, where you may send floral arrangements. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com