Gerald Alan Snyder
Gerald “Jerry” Snyder, 85, passed from this earth on July 8, 2022, in Weatherford, Texas.
A celebration of his life and Memorial Service will be on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells, 100 SW 4th Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Jerry was born September 18, 1936, to Raymond,” Shorty,” and Grace Snyder.
Jerry was a consummate Radio Broadcaster and spent over 50 years in the business. In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Jerry was the number one Rock n’ Roll disk jockey at KNOW Radio in Austin, Texas, with the stage name Jay Allan. There he entertained his fans with a gaggle of characters, including Oggy Cogg – the show engineer, Officer Wimble – the bicycle riding traffic reporter, and Granny Allan – the former bubble dancer and record librarian for the Jay Allan Show. These characters were created by and lived in the mind of Jerry, “Jay Allan” and were beloved by his many fans.
Jerry moved with his loving wife, Glynda, and their family to Temple, Texas, in 1972 and began his career in radio advertising sales. Jerry was a natural and quickly moved into the sales manager role for KTEM/KPLE radio stations. His friendship with Charles Pyle, the owner of The Insurer’s Agency, and Glynda’s mentor in the Insurance business, sprouted the idea of Radio Station ownership. Jerry and Charlie found KIKM radio station for sale in Sherman, Texas. They purchased the struggling station and its sad little building, and Jerry & Glynda moved the family to Sherman, Texas, in 1978.
Jerry transformed the radio station building into a showplace and revamped the programming on KIKM AM & FM, becoming the talk of the town. The stations quickly became #1 and #2 in the market. Jerry and Charlie purchased KWIC/KTLK Radio Stations in Beaumont, TX, in 1982. Jerry moved the family to Beaumont. Within a year, he had found KYXS radio in Mineral Wells. He purchased the AM/FM station and moved the family to Mineral Wells in 1983.
Jerry worked his construction magic on the rundown radio station building and introduced the Mineral Wells community to his old KNOW gang of characters as he reimagined the format of KYXS and renamed the AM Station KJSA, for Jerry Snyder and Associates. The morning show with Jerry and Bob McKinzie along with Granny, Oggy, and Officer Wimble were welcomed by the Mineral Wells area with open arms. The Radio Station was a hit and commercially successful. Jerry and Glynda entrenched themselves in the community. Jerry was so proud of his part in renovating the old Welcome sign he discovered lying in a pile of weeds just behind the transmitter building for the radio stations on the top of Welcome mountain.
Mineral Wells area businesses and citizens came out in force to reinstall the Welcome sign and bring it back to its glory. Jerry enjoyed being a part of the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce and many Clubs and organizations. He took great pride in mentoring talented people in their Radio Careers. Joe Bielinski was one of his favorite stories to tell. Joe showed up with an idea for a classic country radio show. Jerry told him to get a certain number of sponsors at a firm price. Joe came back with double what he was asked for, and that show is still on the air today, and Joe is a great success. Rick Brumfield, the sales manager for KYXS/KJSA, and Jerry remained close after Jerry’s retirement. Rick’s visits always brought a smile to Jerry’s face as they reminisced over radio stories.
Penni Beauregard, a treasured favorite friend, and colleague of Jerry’s, remained close with the entire family. Jerry would often burst out with genuine laughter at Penni B stories. That laughter was a real treat to those who knew Jerry best.
In 1997 Jerry moved the radio station building to the corner of Fox Road and Highway 180, almost directly between the communities of Weatherford and Mineral Wells, as he strove to serve both communities well. Colleagues Mickey West, Lin Bearden, Brent Baker, Dave Cowley, Bob Glenn, and Jeff Brazzell, along with many others, created “On the 50 Yard Line,” reporting on all area high school football games and a highlighted game of the week. Jerry was proud to be a part of the expansion into the surrounding communities.
Jerry spent several years in silent partnership with his cherished Nephew, Gary Moore, in the Movie Theater business. He was proud and excited to be a part of another entertainment industry.
In 2006 Jerry sold KJSA AM and retired. He spent several years telling everyone who would listen to him NEVER to retire. He missed his beloved radio career and those friendships deeply. Jerry’s home was featured on HGTV’s ReZoned in 2009. In retirement, Jerry created monthly radio shows he sent all over the country on CDs as gifts to friends and family. If you have a collection of these CDs, you know how special they are.
Jerry was preceded in death by his half-brother, Stanley, His Father, Raymond, and his Mother, Grace. He is survived by his precious wife of 58 years, Glynda; His son Robert and wife Sandra Snyder of Millsap, Daughter Tami and husband Richard Fenton of Weatherford, Grandchildren, Ryan wife Brandi Wilcox of Mineral Wells, Blake Brumfield of Mineral Wells, Tori and Husband Layne Spurlen of DeLeon, Jaci and Husband Cooper Morelock of Cleburne, Nicole and Husband Damion Witham of Oregon, Great Grandchildren Clay Witham of Oregon, and Lorraine Morelock of Cleburne. Jerry is also survived by his Sister Babs and husband Harlan Morgan of Big Spring, Brother Don Snyder of Abilene, and Brother Dick and wife Pat Snyder of Midland. Nephew Gary and wife Michelle Moore of Big Spring, Neice Gayle Abbott of Hobbs, NM; Nieces and families Laran Snyder of Austin, and Lindsey Jones of Midland, Neice Barbara Close of Sweetwater.
Jerry was one of a kind. His sense of humor, creativity, and talent for all things Radio and Entertainment put him in a class by himself. We will miss him greatly, but his memory will live on for a very long time.
