Eckley Burton Snow's Obituary
Eckley Burton Snow was born August 6, 1921 to Dr. Paul Snow and Bess Box Snow in Rockwall, Texas. He was born again February 9, 2009, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. He went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2009. His family and friends will miss him sorely but also rejoice in hope. Mr. Snow was a geophysicist who traveled the world but never forgot his Texas roots and family. He graduated “best boy” from Rockwall High School in 1939. After some college, Snow traveled to Hawaii to work with his brother as a civilian engineer, working to build the historic Red Hill underground fuel storage facility for the U.S. Navy. But on December 7, 1941, he became part of U.S. history when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. Seeing planes and flames on the other part of island, Snow, his brother, and many other civilian workers joined their military counterparts at the bombed-out harbor to assist however they could. From 1942-1945, Snow served his country as an aerial observer in the 12th Division of the U.S. Army in Europe. He earned two Air Medals and a Purple Heart, and helped to liberate concentration camps in Germany. Like so many of his generation, Snow completed his studies after the war and received his bachelor’s degree at Southern Methodist University in 1948. With the start of the Korean War, Snow reenlisted and served in Korea. As a master gunner and sergeant first class, he received two bronze campaign stars, four Air Medals and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation. Snow began his professional career with Geophysical Service Inc. (GSI) in 1956 as a geophysicist. He worked in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Australia, helping to find new oil. In the late 1960s, Snow returned to the Dallas area, working with a new division of GSI that became Texas Instruments. He also worked for Hunt Oil Company and Placid Oil, retiring in 1987. Snow grew up in the First Christian Church of Rockwall. Mr. Snow never married but was devoted to his family. He was a loyal friend to many people around the world. He will be remembered for his smile, a humble and grateful spirit and kindnesses too numerous to mention that he extended to family and friends. Snow is survived by: his sister-in-law, Betty Snow of Seal Beach, California; his brother-in-law John Anderson of White Bear, Minnesota; nieces and nephews: Mark Anderson of Garland, Texas, Sara Anderson of Palo Alto, California, Paul Snow of Jupiter, Florida, Robert Snow of Spokane, Washington, MaryBeth Mullen of Phoenix, Arizona, Vickie Morrison of Seattle, Washington and Martha Sneva of Rathdrum, Idaho; and numerous cousins, great (and great-great!) nephews and nieces. Visitation is Thursday, June 11, 6-8 pm, Restland, 9220 Restland Road, Dallas, Texas (972-278-7111) with services on Friday, June 12, 3 pm, Wildwood Chapel, Restland. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
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