Donald Snaza

Donald Gene Snaza, 65, a resident of Newkirk, died on November 15, 2007, from injuries received in a vehicular accident near Cuervo. He was born on November 14, 1942 in Longview, Washington, the son of Joseph Louis Snaza and Mary King Snaza. He was reared and attended school in Washington State, and served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, when he was honorably discharged. He spent the next years working throughout the West in various occupations. At different times, he worked as a cook, construction worker, mechanic, ranch hand, and general handyman. Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Schmidt, of Battle Ground, Washington. Don lived in Newkirk for the past six years, where he worked for various area ranchers. He enjoyed socializing with his local friends, and his interests included cooking, especially barbequing, and relaxing and visiting with friends and neighbors. Don will be missed in Newkirk, especially by his close friends David Thaggard, Kenny Wilkerson, Jessie Dodd, and Leroy Knowles, all of whom he considered family. Graveside services will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at the Newkirk Cemetery with Deacon Marvin Marquez officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM. (575) 472-3369.