Kenneth J. Snoddy Jr.

Kenneth James Snoddy Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on February 19, 2026, in Coos Bay, Oregon.  He was born on January 20, 1946, in Modesto, California, to Kenneth James Snoddy Sr. and Lois Snoddy, both of whom preceded him in death.  Ken spent his early years in Oklahoma before moving to Coquille, Oregon while in middle school, and later to North Bend, where he graduated from North Bend High School, class of 1964.

During his school years, Ken was known by his classmates as a “gentle giant.”  He was a standout athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and wrestling, while also participating in choir and drama.  He attended college in Oklahoma and at Linfield on football scholarship.  He later transferred to Oregon State University, where he met the love of his life, Jane Armentrout (Snoddy), while working at PJ’s Pizza Parlor in Corvallis.  Ken was a proud Beaver and enjoyed following their sports teams.

Ken and Jane were married March 22, 1969, in Albany, Oregon, with Ken leaving two weeks thereafter serving a tour in Vietnam as a builder with the U.S. Navy Seabees.  He followed in the footsteps of his father, who also served as a Seabee during World War II.

Ken went on to build a life rooted in hard work, service, and community.  Before his long and impactful career in education, he owned and operated his own construction company, a wooden toy company as well as serving as a firefighter for North Bend Fire Department.  Ken eventually found his true calling as a wood shop and technology teacher at Sunset Middle School.  Ken also coached baseball, football, basketball, and wrestling, influencing countless young athletes and helping guide them both on and off the field. 

Ken’s deep and booming voice was unforgettable.  It would always be the first thing you’d hear when you arrived in the gym or at the field.  Ken was a tough and sometimes intimidating man on the outside, but those who knew him best understood his gentle loving heart.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, photography, dining out, traveling, and watching sports – especially when it meant cheering on his kids and grandkids from the sidelines. 

After retiring from his teaching career, Ken and Jane opened Easy Lane Frames and Select Art Gallery where they enjoyed combining both of their skills and interests – woodworking and art. 

Ken spent over 50 years of his life in Coos Bay, where he became a pillar of both his community and his church.  He was an active and devoted member of The Bay Area Church of the Nazarene, serving faithfully as an usher and board member, and living out his strong faith through service and fellowship.  Ken’s loud “amens” during services will be forever missed.

Ken was truly the patriarch of his family.  He loved deeply and was endlessly proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.  He would happily talk anyone’s ear off about their accomplishments, always beaming with pride.  He gave sacrificially to his family and others, often setting aside his own dreams and plans.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jane Snoddy, and his loving family who were the center of his world.  He is survived by his daughter, Arianne Cook, and her children Allysa Miles (and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Jane Miles) and Garrett Booth; his son Matthew Snoddy and wife Marisol, and their children Michael and Selena; his son Jacob Snoddy and wife Ashley, and their children Evelyn, Nora, and Marilu; and his son Joshua Snoddy and wife Shannon, and their children Braydon, Trenton, and Gavin.  He is also survived by his little sisters, Bonnie Holland and Martha Christensen.

Above all else, Ken loved his family and his Lord.  His life was one of strength, dedication, and compassion.  His legacy will live on through the generations he built, guided, and loved so deeply. 

We hope that you will join us in his Celebration of Life service on April 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Bay Area Church of the Nazarene, 1850 Clark Street, North Bend, Oregon. 

A reception will follow the service at The Snoddy Gymnasium across the parking lot.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth J. Snoddy Jr., please visit our floral store.