In Memory
Lester “Les” N. Snowden, age 93, lifelong resident of McCook, NE, passed away at the Community Hospital in McCook on November 23, 2022. He was born on March 16, 1929, to W. W. (Bill) Snowden and Denicie (Olmsted) Snowden. Les attended school in McCook graduating in 1948. As a teen he enjoyed football, water skiing, track, and basketball, and raised prized pigeons. Also, as a teenager he started a job as lot attendant with Manning Motors. Little did he know at the time, that the car business would be the backbone of his life. In 1949 he met the love of his life, Ilah L. Shreffler. They were joined in marriage on November 5, 1950, just recently celebrating their 72nd Anniversary. To this union, two daughters were born, Debra Jo and Lisa Anne. Shortly after their marriage in March of 1951, Les was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country as a Staff Sargent. He oversaw the Motor Pool during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He was Honorably discharged in March of 1953 but was considered Active Reserve until 1957. He returned to McCook, then attended the General Motors Training Center in Omaha. He worked as the Service Manager for Cobb Motors, becoming partner in 1968, selling and servicing Cadillac, GMC trucks, Pontiac and Airstream. In 1970, they added Honda, becoming one of the first 25 Honda Dealers in America. Les then bought Mr. Cobb out of the business in 1982, changing the name to Snowden Motors. He sold the business in 1990. He then worked at Wagner Ford, finally retiring in his late 70’s. He missed the day-to-day interaction with all his past clients and customers, so he took a part-time position with Schmick’s Market. Les was a true gentleman and always had a good word for all he knew. He was a kind soul, humble, loyal, and always thankful. He loved his wife immensely. He loved children unconditionally and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren even more. As an adult, he enjoyed skeet shooting, hunting, fishing, and the occasional round of golf. He always kept busy with long walks, reading and word games. Until recently, he would walk up to the Bison Football stadium to watch every Friday night home game. He only sat doing nothing when he was watching the Huskers play. He and Ilah traveled when possible. A few of their favorite trips included Hawaii, Acapulco, and Italy. He genuinely enjoyed working in his yard and garden. His yard was always perfectly manicured. He and Ilah loved their garden and come Spring it was in full bloom throughout the Summer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Denicie; three siblings, Queen (John) Joseph, William Snowden, Helen (George) Sutton. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ilah, of McCook; two Daughters, Debra (Jim) Powell of North Platte, NE; Lisa (Rick) Felice of Gilbert, AZ; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
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