Hetzel G. Snyder, 88, of New Castle, passed away October 25, 2011 at his residence.Born March 2, 1923 in Keyser, West Virginia, he was a son of John E. and Ollie Crites Snyder.He married the former Edith M. Stevens on July 11, 1943. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2004.Hetzel was a graduate of Keyser High School and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. As a Staff Sergeant, he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and participated in the Invasion of the Philippines. He received several medals and ribbons including; the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star.Hetzel was employed with CSX Railroad, formerly B & O Railroad, as a general foreman for 41 years.He was a member of the Davis Masonic Lodge in Keyser, where he received his 50 year Masonic pin. He also was a member of the VFW in West Middlesex.Hetzel was an active member of Wayside Emmanuel Church where he was a trustee, an usher, and helped take care of the building and the church grounds.He is survived by three sons, Eugene Snyder and Dale (Dawn) Snyder of New Castle, and Marshall Snyder of Pittsburgh; a daughter-in-law, Diane Snyder of Irwin, PA; one brother, David Edgell (Hazel) Snyder of Keyser, WV; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Carole Reed, and two sons, Gary and James Snyder.Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Wilmington Road. A Masonic service will be held at 8:00 P.M.A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform Military Rites. Pastor Hope Cummins will officiate. Burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.