Johnnie Ray Snow was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Jewell County. He was the fourth child of John L. and Belle (Arbuckle) Snow. In 1938, John and Belle moved their family to the Duckerville community in Smith County, northwest of Lebanon. Johnnie attended Oriole Country School and Lebanon High School.

At the age of 22, Johnnie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951. Becoming a Marine was a proud accomplishment. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1953, Johnnie returned to the family farm.

On May 25, 1963, Johnnie was united in marriage to Patricia Smith at Red Cloud. Johnnie and...