Longtime Ohio lawmaker Cooper Snyder passes

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WILMINGTON — A former state lawmaker and current Wilmington resident is being mourned across Ohio.

H. Cooper Snyder, former longtime state senator from the 14th District — a resident of Ohio Living Cape May as well as a former longtime resident of Blanchester as well as Hillsboro — died Monday, Oct. 14.

He served in the Ohio Senate from 1979 to 1996. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and of Wilmington College.

Governor Mike DeWine spoke about Snyder on Monday.

“Fran and I were so sorry to learn of the death of our friend, Cooper Snyder,” said DeWine. “He was a pragmatic, common-sense legislator who always stayed close to the people he represented. I worked with Cooper Snyder during my time in the Ohio Senate. And our son, Pat, worked for him for six months on one of his campaigns.

“Cooper and his wife, Dorothy, were an amazing team. They were wonderful people. Fran and I are blessed to have been among their friends.”

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Cooper Snyder,” said State Rep. Shane Wilkin (OH-91st District). “He was a strong advocate for Southern Ohio, a leader for Ohio’s schools and a genuine friend to all who were fortunate to know him. I always enjoyed our talks, and valued his advice and counsel. He made a difference in our community and for people throughout Ohio. He will be greatly missed.”

Wilmington City Councilmember Jonathan McKay said, “He was a mentor to the young people coming up in politics and he could always be counted on for great advice on campaigning and governing. He was a great friend; he encouraged me to seek city council and helped many young folks get internships on a state level. He wanted to see the next generation succeed.

“He was a good man and we have lost one of the greats in Clinton County.”

Cooper Snyder’s wife, Dorothy, whom he married in 1949, died on June 15 of this year at age 89. They had six children, and are survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Cooper Snyder was passionate about education throughout his career and was instrumental in helping Ohio students from kindergarten through college.

Among his many efforts to benefit students during his tenure in the Ohio Senate, Cooper Snyder pushed for the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO), now called College Credit Plus. PSEO enabled high school students to take college courses free and earn dual credit during the high school day.

Snyder also advocated for mandatory kindergarten attendance; according to a 2018 proclamation by Ohio Chancellor of Education John Carey, this effort “recognized the importance of early intervention and school readiness.” The Chancellor also noted Snyder’s support for proficiency testing which “grew out of a desire to ensure that students graduating from high school were prepared for college.”

In 1991, the University of Cincinnati in Clermont County honored their commitment and tireless efforts to bring educational opportunities to underserved areas by unveiling The Dorothy and Cooper Snyder Education Building. In 2009, the Clermont Chamber recognized Dorothy and Cooper with the public servant Pacesetter Award.

(Editor’s Note: Mr. Snyder’s age, as well as funeral services information, were not available at presstime.)

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By Tom Barr

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