Obituary: Sneigle, Michael J.

Michael J. Sneigle of Parkersburg, WV, went home to be with our Lord on November 14, 2023. On an otherwise gorgeous fall day, he was doing what he loved most besides cheering on his beloved Mountaineers: playing golf. While on his home course at the Links at Woodridge, one second, he was lining up his next putt, and the next, he was gone in an instant. The good news is he parred the previous hole so he had that wry smirk of his going.

Born on October 23, 1949, to the late Walter and Edna Sneigle, he grew up in Belpre, OH. When he was younger, Mike enjoyed fishing with his dad and playing various sports like baseball, basketball, and track, and in between playing with broken ribs as the starting quarterback for Belpre, he also played in the band at halftime. He also had a knack of causing some havoc around the house and neighborhood with his siblings - a knack he continued into adulthood!

Following graduation from Belpre High School, he attended the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Preparatory School in Ft. Belvoir, VA, and proudly served his country in the Army in Texas before beginning his civilian career. A staunch supporter of labor and union workers, Mike worked for organizations like Appalachian Council and Head Start, as well as insurance companies while living around the country in places like New Orleans, Michigan, and here.

Known mostly as Mike or “Sneig,” he had a heart of gold, a giving spirit, and could talk to anyone about anything. From politics to religion, investments to sports, or life in general, his passion and beliefs spilled into his thoughts, words and actions. He had a love for coffee, being outside in the yard and in his garage. And while he wasn’t always the most graceful at walking around end tables, he was a gifted athlete (except for shooting layups or his “lefty” putting stroke) and always enjoyed rooting for the underdog.

His family was his world! Those left behind to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 37 incredible years, Natalie; son, Chris (Fell); grandson, Austin (Brianna) and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn; granddaughters, Kylin and Ayslin; sisters, Becky Straw (Phil) and Frannie Spainhour (Tom), and brother, Harry (Lorie); five nieces, one nephew; eleven great nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count.

We love you and miss you SO very much. It just doesn’t seem real. But we know you’re probably laughing and “singing” while spilling things all over Heaven. Hopefully there are plenty of paper towels and a good vacuum, but at least Band-Aids won’t ever be needed again. Hit ‘em straight up there, and may your putts forever be true. And when you can, please try and put a good word in for the Eers!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his name to Christ United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, where Mike was an extremely active member and served on the Board of Trustees.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 20. Please contact the family directly for details.

Those wishing to share a story, fond memory, or their condolences, please visit MOVCremation.com (Mid-Ohio Valley Cremation Society).