Larry Gene Snelling

Larry Gene Snelling, 77, originally of Jeffersonville, IN, passed away after a short illness on May 29, 2024, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he had lived since 1981.  He was surrounded by family and so much love.

Larry was born in Terre Haute and was a 1964 graduate of Jeffersonville High School.  He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years where he worked as an aircraft instrument controls mechanic with tours of duty in Texas, Michigan, Germany, and Thailand.  During his time overseas, he flew on missions from Thailand to Vietnam and later, during the cold war era, flew radar-evading missions over the Berlin Wall.  After military service, he returned to Indiana and worked for Cardinal Carrier for many years.  In 1975, a family vacation to New Mexico began his love affair with the great southwest mountains and desert, eventually earning him the family nickname “Desert Rat.”  After moving to New Mexico, he worked as a heavy construction equipment maintenance supervisor for real estate developer, Amrep Southwest, during a historic period of growth for the city of Rio Rancho.  Larry truly loved the magic of Albuquerque’s twinkling city lights, the mystery of the desert, and the majesty of the Sandia Mountains (aka Papa’s Mountain). He had a strong faith and deep appreciation for God’s beautiful Southwest canvas.  Larry also loved tinkering in his garage, ensuring his truck, jeep, and boat were ready for whatever adventures awaited him. Whether it was a short trip to the desert in the jeep, or a longer haul to the Butte for some water skiing and lakeside camping, great music, the Denver Broncos, or an IU basketball game were always in the background.  While he loved his home in New Mexico, Larry stayed true to his Indiana roots and was a lifelong IU basketball fan.  He visited his home state of Indiana frequently and even moved home temporarily for two years to help care for his aging parents. No matter the distance, Larry remained a devoted son, father, Papa, brother, and uncle.

Surviving family includes two daughters, Amy Siegfried (Scott), and Jennifer McFarland Kern (Tony); longtime companion, Julie Wagner, a stepdaughter, Stephanie Gates Wagner (Lanora); six grandchildren, Nicolas Siegfried (age 37), Chelsea Siegfried (age 33), Jessica Siegfried (age 23), Jacobsen McFarland (age 19), Cole McFarland (age 17), and Mitchell McFarland (age 15); and four siblings, James “Ed” Snelling, Jr. (Linda), Danny Snelling (Karen), Debbie Snelling, and Patti Howard (Jim); and many nieces and nephews whom Uncle Rat loved dearly.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Deb” and Marian Snelling; his son-in-law, David “Mac” McFarland; and his beloved dogs, Indy and Anna.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, from 2 to 5pm with funeral services following at 5pm, Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Airman’s Attic.  The Attic supplies gently used clothing and household goods to active duty Airmen, rank E-5 or below, and their dependents.  Larry and his dear friend the late Monty Mills served in the Air Force together and were the original founders of the Airmen’s Attic in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Envelopes will be provided by Scott Funeral Home on the day of services.

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