Wayne E. Snyder Sr.

Wayne Emerson Snyder Sr., 85, passed away on August 10, 2026. Born on July 31, 1941, Wayne was the son of Emerson and Marion (Roth) Snyder. He graduated from Parkland High School in 1959, where he played varsity football as a running back and was Vice President of his graduating class. Following graduation, he served four years in the United States Navy. Throughout his working life, Wayne pursued a variety of careers, from shoe salesman and automobile service manager to investigator for the New York Railroad. He ultimately devoted much of his career to law enforcement and public service, including serving as Chief of police in Sugar Grove, Illinois. One of Wayne’s proudest accomplishments was serving for 12 years as Lehigh County Coroner. During his tenure, he helped expand the department and strengthen its investigative processes. He worked closely with federal law enforcement agencies and local police departments, bringing valuable knowledge, professionalism, and expertise to the coroner’s office. His leadership and dedication left a lasting mark on both the department and the community it served. Outside of work, Wayne enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and dancing the polka. His passion for racing also led him to spend time behind the wheel as a stock car driver at Dorney Park. Wayne is survived by his twin sister, Elaine Snyder; his children, Wendi Elizabeth and Wayne Snyder Jr., six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, 2 nieces and 5 nephews. He was able to celebrate his 85th birthday with his sister and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson Snyder and Marion Roth Snyder, and his daughter, Lori Seip. Wayne will be remembered for his sense of humor, his distinguished career in public service, and the enthusiasm with which he pursued the many interests that brought him joy. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 W. Highland St. Allentown. A calling hour will begin at 10:00 AM. Memorial Contributions may be given in Wayne’s memory to the American Heart Association c/o the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at trexlerfuneralhome.com.