Abraham Lincoln "Linc" Snyder, 89 of Lexington Park, MD died February 7, 2013 at the Hospice House of St. Mary's. Linc was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; Veteran of the Second World War, talented master carpenter and musician.

Linc was born in 1923 in Queen Shoals, West Virginia, the fourth child of the late Henry B. and Daisy White Snyder, and grew up along the banks of the Elk River during the Great Depression.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater of Operations, rising to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the 83rd Infantry Division. He was caught in the Siege of Bastogne at the famous Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944. His experience during this hard-fought battle formed the basis for his enduring sense of commitment to his community and his country.

After serving his country, Linc returned to West Virginia where he married Miss Helen Frances (Fannie) Crouse of Gauley Mountain, West Virginia and began his career as a carpenter. During these same years, he also discovered his love for playing guitar and singing and he bought his first Gibson guitar.

In early 1960, Linc, with his wife and son (and the Gibson) transferred to Indian Head, Maryland to work at the Naval Ordnance Station as a civil service employee, making Charles County his home.

Shortly thereafter his daughter was born. In the late 70s, Linc transferred again to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. He made many friends along the way and retired after more than 30 years of government civil service.

Linc and Frances (who passed away in 1996) are survived by their son Jay Snyder, daughter Daisie Register, and grandsons Russell Wagoner and Lucas Snyder.

Enjoying retirement but eager to serve his community, Linc put his carpentry skills to use in La Plata, Maryland, at the Civista Medical Center (formerly known as Physicians Memorial Hospital). This is where he met like-hearted musicians and they eventually formed the well-known southern Maryland band, The Bluegrass Gospel Express. He began to live his dream - often playing the same Gibson guitar - and sharing music and fellowship around the community. The Gospel Express has shared music at many St. Mary's County locations including the old Leonardtown Ice Cream Parlor/Theater and Lil' Margaret's Bluegrass Festival.

In 2000, Linc married Deanna (Dee) Kramer. Together they enjoyed 12 years of family, friends, and joyful fellowship. Linc often spent his time with musical friends, offering fellowship and fishing with his buddies Jack or Cliff. Along with the great joy Dee brought to Linc's life, he also gained two lovely daughters Stephanie Kurtz and Kris Foley, and two more grandsons, Ben and Will.

After suffering congestive heart failure, Linc is now home with many loved ones that have gone on before, among them his brothers; Conard, Daniel, and Howard of West Virginia; Henry of Maryland, and sister Daisy, who died as a toddler.

Linc leaves behind many who dearly loved him, including his adored wife Dee, his children and grandchildren, nephews Jim, John, George, and Bradley of West Virginia, and Peter of Baltimore, his musical brethren from The Gospel Express, Erin Dean Tennyson, and numerous other music buddies, along with family and many friends.

Family will receive friends for Linc's Life Celebration on Monday, February 11, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown , MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hollywood United Methodist Church, 24422 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens in Waldorf, Maryland.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.