Richard (Rick) O. Snelson, Jr. 66, of Springfield, MO, passed away December 31st, 2021. He was born December 28, 1955, in Jefferson City, MO, to Richard O. Snelson, Sr. and Peggy Schell Snelson and graduated Jefferson City High in 1974.
He is survived by his wife, Reba Brew; daughters Chelsea and Christie, sister, Kathy, and father Richard.
He recently retired but was the previous owner of Car-Fi in Springfield and Nixa. He began working in his parent’s stereo store in high school beginning his lifelong love of music and mobile electronics.
Many in the local Springfield area remember his voice on radio and television commercials over the past 35 years. Some of Car-Fi’s first jingles, like “Eenie Meenie Miney CarFi” recorded by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, are still well remembered today by many a Springfieldian.
Rick took pride in his community and gave back in many ways over the years. He started a street outreach ministry in front of his store at 1600 S. Glenstone which was active for four years up through his retirement, he was the original founder of Springfield’s Best, Rick was a founding member of the Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (MESA) buying/marketing group, and also founder of the local charity organization, Play it Forward SWMO. Play it Forward provides donated and purchased instruments to children of SW Missouri.
Rick’s legacy will live on through the Rick Snelson Memorial scholarship fund hosted by Play it Forward SWMO to annually award money toward tuition for students pursuing a musical education.
He was a generous man and friend to many. He loved bass fishing, good western movies and music.
A special thanks to Compassus Hospice for their care and support.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be announced at a future date and will be a virtual event.
His ashes along with his late mother’s will be privately placed side by side by his family in his home – town family plot at Link Cemetery in Wainwright, MO.
Memorial donations may be made to the Play It Forward SWMO foundation directed by Ruell Chappell of Springfield. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 10704, Springfield, MO 65808 or at http://www.playitforwardswmo.org/donate-funds.html . These donations help ensure each child in SW Missouri is provided with the opportunity to discover his or her musical talents and will carry forward Rick’s love for music and honor his well-known marketing line “Because the Music Matters”.