John T. Snook, Sr.

John T. Snook, Sr., 76, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023 after a short illness.

John was born on August 3, 1947 to Howard P. Snook, Sr. and Frances J. Snook (nee Bardenhagen) in Bayonne, New Jersey. He grew up all over the world and served in the United States Army. He went on to study Social Work at Missouri State University and received his Masters at Washington University – St. Louis. John continued on Active Duty in the U.S. Army retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in Vietnam and in Iraq during Desert Storm. He met his first wife, Diane (nee Pumphrey) in Germany and they wed in March of 1968 and had two children, John Thomas Snook, Jr. and Donald H. Snook. He married Betty Brommer Sheeley on April 24, 1993 in Gulfport, Mississippi. John’s focus his whole life was helping other people. As a Clinical Therapist, he counseled families and groups and was always invested in their care. He was passionate about helping his clients. He was dedicated to his family especially his children and grandchildren.

John was also devoted to his Church – Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. If he was not at home, he could usually be found at the church setting up daily masses, performing the readings at the early services, and helping in any way he could. For several years he also delivered Communion to people in the hospital, nursing homes, or those who were homebound.

John continued furthering his skills as a woodworker and made numerous pieces that are used at the Church. Anyone who knew John knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His most obvious gift was his sense of humor. He was a consummate storyteller and perfected his impression of Donald Duck to the delight of children around him. He was kind, considerate, generous, steadfast, dependable, and always willing to show his love.

John was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife, Betty; brothers, Richard “Skip” Snook and Mark Snook; his first wife, Diane; brother-in-law, William Lockhart; brother-in-law, John Amber; and Sister-in-law, Penny Snook.

He is survived by his siblings, Nancy (William) Lockhart, Howard P. Snook, Jr. (Judy), Betsy Amber (John), Mary K. Snook (Bob Narozanick), Jeanne (Anthony) Biello, Michael Snook (Fran), Andrew Snook, Tina Snook, and Paul (Nadine) Snook; sons, John T. Snook, Jr. (Tim Andrews) and Donald H. Snook (Joey Dee); and step-sons, Brian Sheely and Robert Sheely; as well as grandchildren, Henry Snook, Mason Sheely, Merritt Sheely, Camille Sheely, Kade Sheely, Brittany Sweetland, Christopher Christian, Susan Edwards, and Kathryn Thomas; 14 great-grandchildren and many many cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi Mississippi. Interment will follow at Southern MemorialPark. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Snook family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, P.O. Box 4098, Biloxi, Mississippi 39535.