Benjamin Eshelman Snow

Beloved husband, brother and uncle, Benjamin Eshelman Snow, of Moses Lake, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2009, at the age of 91.

He was born December 2, 1917 in Ontario, California, to Ada Grace and Glen Snow. He graduated from Englewood (CA) High School in 1936. He then attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he earned a degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering while also playing football.

In 1940, he joined the Air Force Cadet Flying School. He served in World War II as a Communication Officer stationed in Italy. After returning from the war he continued to proudly serve his country in the USAF Reserve until the age of 60, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

While stationed overseas he received a letter from Annette Snider, a friend of his sister Harriett who had dared Annette to send him the letter, which resulted in further correspondence and ultimately 63 years of marriage.

Ben’s engineering degree served him well as he worked as a well-respected engineer for various aeronautical companies including North American/Rockwell, McDonald Douglass and Boeing. His favorite achievement as an aeronautical engineer was being involved in the design of the landing gear for the Space Shuttle. He and Annette were in attendance at the inaugural flight of the Space Shuttle and he was very proud of this accomplishment.

Upon retirement Ben and Annette moved to Rancho Murrieta, California, where he spent time trying to perfect his golf game. He also loved to travel all over the United States and had visited England, the Caribbean and Hong Kong. Ben was an artist whether it was painting, drawing or woodworking, he loved to create and share his talents. Family and friends will never forget Ben’s sparkling blue eyes, ear to ear smile and the sound of his laughter as he joked with whomever was around.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife Annette, his sister Harriet Snider, and his brother David (Carolyn) Snow of Sparks, Nevada. He is also survived by three generations of loving nieces and nephews including Carol (Jon) Lane, Norma (Lynn) Pittman, Bill (Yvonne) Snider (Livermore, CA) and Marilyn (Ric) Heidiger (Shoreline, WA). He was preceded in death by siblings Franklin C. Snow and Grace Raymond.

Viewing for family and friends will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy, Moses Lake. Services will follow at 11 a.m., with interment at Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

Kayser’s Chapel of Memories is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.kayserschapel.com to leave a message for the family and sign the online guest book.