Wendell Robert Snively

Wendell Robert Snively (93) of Denver, Colorado passed away unexpectedly following a fall on December 13, 2020. Wendell was born in Iowa City, Iowa on September 21, 1927 and was lovingly welcomed into the home of Mabel and Josiah Snively, his adoptive parents, at less than one month of age. After moving to Denver in 1930, he was raised in North Denver, along with his sisters Nancy, who preceded him in death, and Marcia. He attended North High School where he lettered in football and track, graduating in 1945. The family attended Highlands Christian Church. Upon graduation, Wendell attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, but after four straight 100- degree days, he hitched a ride home, as it was too hot for him. He walked on for football at Colorado Teacher’s College (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley and ultimately received a scholarship. Unfortunately, injuries led to the end of his athletic career and thus his scholarship, forcing him to leave school. Wendell met the love of his life, Marjorie Lee Hudson, at Sylvandale Christian Summer Camp and they were married on April 11, 1948. They went on to enjoy a tremendous love for just short of 71 years until Margie passed in April of 2019. Wendell had his first job at the age of 12 and his jobs as a youth included selling magazines, delivering newspapers, pumping gas, paving roads, and running the bumper cars at Elitches, among others. He worked for AG Grocers when he and Margie married but he spent most of his work career employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Denver beginning by running a route and ending as Sales Manager. One of his deliveries was to President Eisenhower when he was in Denver. He also worked for 7Up, Dave Cook’s Sporting Goods and ended his working years owning his own business, AR Plastics. Wendell’s years in the beverage business provided him the opportunity to attend many sporting events which helped cultivate a deeper love for football, especially the Broncos and the Colorado Buffalos. He was always willing to “work” these events and continued with season tickets into retirement. He was fortunate to be able to go to see the Broncos play in two Super Bowls with his son. Wendell was a member of Denver Masonic Lodge #5 AF & AM and served as the Associate Grand Guardian for Job’s Daughters in Colorado. He was active at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon for many years. He and Margie participated in “POTS”, a potluck group of 5 couples who met monthly for dinner for over 70 years. Upon retirement, Wendell and Margie enjoyed spending time at their place in Estes Park, Colorado and traveling. Wendell also enjoyed golf and watching any football that happened to be on television. Wendell is survived by a son Bob (Liz) and daughter Debbie (Murray) Pierce all of Centennial, Colorado. He had four grandchildren, Matt (Julie) Pierce, Mandi (Chris) Zimmerman, Jeffrey Snively, and Kati Snively. He was Gpa to 4 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Rylee Zimmerman and Mason and Nolan Pierce. He is also survived by a sister, Marcia Fisher. The family is so grateful that we were all able to spend so much time together and all delighted in Grandpa’s stories. Margie once said her favorite thing about Wendell was his ability to make people laugh. We know the angels are enjoying his jokes and Mom is laughing again. A Memorial Service will be held on June 18, 2021 at 2:30 PM at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church at 10150 E. Belleview Ave., Greenwood Village, Co., 80111. Contributions may be made to Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church at the same address or to Agape Hospice Services Foundation at 6041 S. Syracuse Way, Greenwood Village, Co., 80111.