Billy Wayne Snell was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1957, in Sutherland, and passed away with Deb by his side at Seward Memorial Hospital on Nov. 3, 2025. He died from complications after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer that he fought with faith, strength and grace.
He attended school in Crete until his sophomore year, when he transferred to Milford and graduated in 1976. As a junior he became the State Wrestling Champion in his weight class and won second place in his senior year. He very proudly held this title which helped shape his competitive character, ambition, and drive for life.
Billy met Debbie Eberspacher in high school. They were married at an outdoor ceremony on May 29, 1982, then moved to Crete. Billy was employed with Conner Roofing Company, Crete Mills, and Rich Clark Ford. Employment at Seward County Ford led to a move to Seward where his sales career continued at Meyer Automotive. His passion for his profession fit his highly energetic, social personality. “If you want a deal, see Billy” and “Trust me, I’m a used car salesman!” were two quotes Deb heard him say hundreds of times.
Billy seemed driven to become the life of the party and make people laugh. His welcoming, kind-hearted nature showed in his helpful spirit and involvement in the community. He was quick to offer help and always “on a mission,” as he put it. Over the years, his interests led to life-long friendships. These included playing pool and cards, bowling, softball, trapshooting, hunting and golfing. He and Deb loved their Husker football group parties and RV trips. Recently, he anxiously awaited and attended his cancer group sessions and spending time with his church family and friends.
Another passion was quality time spent with Deb and their families. Uncle Billy was close to his nieces and nephews and so proud of watching them grow up and have families of their own. Highlights were birthdays, holidays and the annual Snell gathering. He was also passionate about building his life with Deb and striving to make it better every day of their 43 years together. With Deb, he was full of surprises, love, and care. Highlights were their weekly Friday “date nights” and the many vacations they took through the years.
They also enjoyed just spending time at home with each other and Billy’s beloved dog, Trixie. She was by his side every chance she could get, be it mowing, scooping snow, hunting or sleeping. She always knew when he pulled in the driveway. Billy uniquely navigated his way through life and overcame great difficulties for as long as he could. He was a true friend and blessing to many.
Survivors include his wife, Deb; brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Aylin Snell, Florida; Randy and Diane Snell, Lincoln; sister, Laurie Phares and partner, Mark Haddox, Bellevue; mother-in-law, Marilyn Eberspacher, Milford; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lisa and Mike Cookus; nieces and nephews, Jaimie Andreesen, Lincoln; Michelle (Dean) Pester, Cortland; Emily (AJ) Popple, Holdrege, Peyton (Courtney) Cookus, Seward, Jill (Brett) Stutzman, Milford, Gina (Ryan) Matthiessen, Lincoln, and Dylan Cookus, Lincoln; great-nieces and nephews, Reese Snell, Lincoln, Tyler Pester, Kansas City, and Haylee Pester, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Koen and Kade Cookus, Seward, Jaycie, Tye, and Ava Stutzman, Milford, Remy, Greta, Roe, and Golden Matthiessen, Lincoln; many other uncles, aunts, cousins, special “adoptive” family members, and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glynn Snell, Jr., Kearney; and mother, Darlene (Gray) Hrdlicka, Lincoln; and father-in-law, Ron Eberspacher, Milford.
Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 3 – 5 p.m. A memorial service will be Monday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church. An open house celebration will be Monday, Nov. 10 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Seward V.F.W. Club. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Pancreatic Cancer Research or to Blue River Pet Rescue.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
