Frederick Allen “Fred” Snodgrass, age 86, passed away at his home in Pickard, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday morning, May 18, 2026. Born March 17, 1940, in Pickard, Indiana, he was the son of Leo Don and Mary Ann (Williams) Snodgrass.
He attended Sugar Creek High School. For many years Fred worked for Jerry Childers, who owned Childers Construction in Sheridan, Indiana. During his time with the company, Fred had a hand in helping shape the look of the town, working on many of the houses and businesses that line the streets throughout Sheridan, including Kercheval Funeral Home. Instead of a scrapbook or a shoebox full of pictures and memories, Fred and his family had an entire town.
Although he enjoyed construction, it was his time working with horses that captured his soul. It is difficult to remember time when horses weren’t a part of Fred’s life. Quarter horses and thoroughbreds were his specialty. He was an owner, a trainer, and a racer, but most importantly, Fred was an advocate for their care. His racing career spanned 42 years, and his years as a trainer even longer. He was a lifetime member of the Indiana Quarter Horse Racing Association.
Fred never met a stranger. He loved entertaining, especially if a cookout was involved, and always loved it when friends and family got together. He also enjoyed watching Indiana Fever games, but watching horse races was his go-to favorite. Horses and farming may have been his passion, but his family (especially the grandkids) were his life.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Mary June (Walton) Snodgrass. She and Fred were married on August 26, 1962. Also surviving are 2 sons, Rick A. Snodgrass (Rebecca) of Pickard, and John W. Snodgrass (Jenny) of Pickard; daughter, Karen S. Cole of Pickard, 2 grandchildren, Shelby L. Hopwood (Jared) of Pickard, and Nathan A. Cole of Michigantown; 3 great granddaughters, Dakotah Ann Cole, Oakley Amanda Cole, and Bexley June Hopwood; brother, David Snodgrass (Sharon) of Frankfort; brother-in-law, James “Buzz” Mooneyhan of Mulberry; 3 sisters, Neva Favors of Ekin, Janet Rawlins (Gary) of Frankfort, and Debbie Vann (Bill) of Pickard; 3 sisters-in-law, Vicky Moore (Charles V.) of Sheridan, Viola Cooper Walton of Terhune, and Colleen “Cookie” Walton of Sheridan; and many, many, many, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Don and Mary Ann (Williams) Snodgrass; 5 brothers, Leo, Phillip R., Bruce, Charles D., and Joe; sister, Shirley Mooneyhan; brothers-in-law, Wayne Favors, James Junior Walton (and wife, Edith), George William Walton, and Paul “Cap” Walton; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Hancock (and husband, Glen), Betty Doty (and husband, Marvin), and Gloria DeVol (and husband, Ronnie).
A celebration of Fred’s life is being planned for a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.