Caroll K. Snowden

Caroll K. Snowden, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, community leader, and friend to generations of families throughout Gallipolis, entered his heavenly home peacefully on July 9, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 11, 1931, in Rutland, Ohio, Caroll was the son of Roy and Reva Snowden. He lived a remarkable life defined by integrity, generosity, hard work, unwavering devotion to his family, and a genuine love for people. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone he met feel welcome.

Caroll was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Verna Jean Snowden (Osborne); his son, Larry Snowden; his parents, Roy and Reva Snowden; and his siblings, Leland Snowden, Jean Parker, and Phyllis Simpkins.

He is survived by his children, Stephen Snowden and Sharon (Taylor); Gary Snowden and Sherry (Van Dyke); daughter-in-law Suzelle Snowden, widow of Larry Snowden; Carol Annette Snowden and fiancé Randy Weissenhofer; and Marc Hardway and Kay.

He was a proud grandfather to Michael and Ashley Snowden; Jonathan and Roni Snowden; Cassie Binkley; Chad Snowden; Jimmy and Jane Snowden; Christopher and Kelli Snowden; Eric and Katelyn Snowden; Cole and Katie (Kurth) Snowden; Dayton and Kaetlyn Hardway; and Brittany Sparling and her husband, Jerrod. He also leaves cherished great-grandchildren, his sister Joan May and husband Bruce, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Caroll began his career with National Life & Accident Insurance Company. In 1962, he became the first State Farm agent in the Gallipolis area when he opened his agency, proudly serving the community until his retirement in 1997. Throughout his career he earned numerous honors, including State Farm's Legion of Honor and the Crystal Excellence Award, and qualified for State Farm incentive travel for more than 20 years. Even years after retirement, former policyholders continued to stop him around town to shake his hand, share a story, or simply thank him. One of Caroll's greatest professional legacies was inspiring all four of his children to begin their careers as State Farm agents. More than following his profession, they followed his example.

Caroll's love for Gallipolis inspired a lifetime of civic involvement and community service. He served as a Gallipolis City Commissioner, was a member and past president of the Gallipolis Kiwanis Club, a member of the Gallipolis Elks Lodge, was honored as a Kentucky Colonel, and founded the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival.

Throughout his life, Caroll was a member of the Church of Christ in Rutland, Ohio. His Christian faith was reflected in the kindness, humility, integrity, generosity, and compassion he showed to others each day.

Caroll embraced life with enthusiasm. He played golf nearly every day until age 92, won numerous tournaments, and recorded two hole-in-ones. He loved caring for his yard, was a loyal Cincinnati Bengals season ticket holder and an enthusiastic supporter of Marshall University Thundering Herd football, and treasured watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed hitting jackpots over the years and loved telling the story of appearing on The Price Is Right in New York during the early 1960s.

More than any hobby or accomplishment, Caroll loved people. Whether enjoying dinner at Bob Evans, sharing a meal at Pizza Hut, catching up with old friends, or striking up a conversation with someone new, he made people feel important. His warm smile, humor, and endless stories left a lasting impression.

If you were lucky enough to know Caroll, chances are you also knew one of his stories. His life was well lived, his legacy is enduring, and he will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and the generations of families throughout Gallipolis whose lives he touched.

Acknowledgment: The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Teresa Byer and Anita Hardy for the compassionate care, kindness, and friendship they shared with Caroll during the final year of his life. The family also thanks the dedicated staff of Holzer Senior Care and Holzer Hospice for their exceptional care, comfort, dignity, and support.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, in Gallipolis, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, with Bob Hood officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Gallipolis, Ohio.

This obituary was lovingly written by Carroll's Family for the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel.