In Loving Memory of Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Gene Snowden
United States Air Force (1960–1988)
Beloved Husband, Father, Patriot, and Community Servant
January 23, 1943 – June 14, 2025

Services Honoring the Life of Clayton Eugene “Gene” Snowden
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home.
Rev. James Shenko and Bro. John Dietz will officiate.
Military Honors will be provided by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Monday evening, June 23, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Speck Funeral Home.
A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., immediately followed by an Eastern Star Service.

Gene Snowden, a proud patriot, devoted community servant, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, at the age of 82.

Gene served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant after 28 years of service from September 16, 1960, to September 30, 1988. A decorated veteran of four tours in Vietnam, he displayed unwavering courage, leadership, and an enduring commitment to his fellow airmen. His career took him around the world—literally flying the globe at least three times—and brought him aboard both Air Force Two and Air Force One with President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Among his most memorable missions was a trip to Antarctica to retrieve penguins for a California zoo. The aircraft was chilled to 22°F to prevent molting—and not a single penguin was lost in flight. Upon landing, ice cream trucks awaited the penguins and crew, a moment Gene recalled with a twinkle in his eye.

Gene also performed critical aerial food drops during the Vietnam War, delivering everything from chickens to cows. As he loved to joke, “The chickens were plucked by the wind before they hit the ground, and the cows were tenderized on impact.” His sharp humor and deep pride in service never wavered.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Gene returned to Tennessee, where he embraced life as a gentleman farmer, raising cattle on the Snowden Farm. He was a cornerstone of the Overton County community, serving as a Boy Scout leader for over 20 years and a Girl Scout leader for 10 years, mentoring countless young people with kindness, wisdom, and a firm sense of purpose.

A man of deep faith, Gene was a dedicated member of Okolona Methodist Church and a proud Gideon, always guided by service and fellowship. A Master Mason and life member of the Livingston Masonic Lodge, he was honored as a 33° Mason in both the Scottish Rite and York Rite, and was an active Shriner. His commitment extended to over 25 years with the Order of the Eastern Star and service on the board of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

Gene wore many hats in his local community:
– Volunteer firefighter with the Rickman Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade
– Gate volunteer at the Livingston Fairgrounds for 20+ years
– Bluegrass Festival volunteer for more than 14 years
– Probation officer under Judge John Officer, offering guidance and second chances
– Community revitalizer, helping to tear down the old jail and establish the Overton County Museum, and turning Dillon Pond from a dumping ground into a beloved family park

He found true peace at home on the Snowden Farm, watching geese land, deer and turkeys graze, and listening to the lowing of cattle. With a smile, he'd often say, “This is the good life”—and indeed, it was.

Gene leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, laughter, faith, and service.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Colleen “Coco” Snowden; son, Jim Snowden, and daughter-in-law, Tammy; daughter, Wendi Snowden; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Snowden and Vela Roberts; sister, JoAnn Martin; and brother-in-law, Jim Martin.

Gene is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, and a world of brothers and sisters in Christ.