NAAA is saddened to report the passing of Nancy Snow, widow of Air Tractor Inc. founder Leland Snow. Nancy passed away March 28 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was 77. She spent the last hours of her life at House of Hope in a colorful room, decorated with her own art and filled with the sounds of the music she loved, surrounded by family, friends and caregivers.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on her birthday, April 8, at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art from 2 to 4 p.m., with a short memorial presentation at 3:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their brightest colors and join family and friends in sharing memories, music, art and the color of Nancy’s life.

Nancy Lynn Bacon was born on April 8, 1940, to the late Charles Raymond Bacon and Doris Afton Gilkerson Bacon in Lubbock, Texas. At an early age she developed a love of dance, music, and art. Nancy graduated from Texas Tech University, earning a bachelor’s degree in fine art.

She married Leland Snow on Dec. 18, 1964, in Lubbock, and they made their home in Wichita Falls, where they raised two daughters, Kristin and Kara. They were married 46 years until Leland’s death Feb. 20, 2011. Nancy was a devoted and supportive wife to Leland, who founded Air Tractor in Olney, Texas. He dedicated his 2008 autobiography, “Putting Dreams to Flight” to her, where he wrote, “Her unwavering support, understanding and patience have been leading factors in making our success possible.”

Throughout her life, Nancy pursued many interests including teaching and playing the guitar and singing, taking art classes, traveling and many other creative pursuits. She also had a lifelong desire to study the Bible and learn God’s word. She was a member of Rephidim Church in Wichita Falls.

Those who knew Nancy well would describe her as loving, genuine and creative. But these words merely scratched the surface of her magnetic personality. From her bright, infectious smile, to the vibrant colors of her carefully crafted outfits, Nancy could light up any room with her presence. She was a brilliant artist and talented musician, but perhaps her greatest work of art was the beautiful family that she loved deeply.

Survivors include two daughters, Kristin Edwards and Kara East, son-in-law Trevor Edwards, grandchildren Brennan Edwards and Elisabeth East, all of Wichita Falls; one brother, John Bacon and wife, Patricia, of Lubbock; four nephews, John Charles Bacon Jr. and wife, Paige, of Fort Worth, Texas, John Franklin Bacon of Lawrence, Kan., Conan McCarty of New York City, and Kevin McCarty of Pomona, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland, brother-in-law Edward Snow, sister-in-law Marihelen Snow, nephew Kim McCarty, niece Lauren McCarty, and son-in-law Alan East.

In lieu of flowers, Kristin and Trevor request that donations be made to Bethel Bible Church of Wichita Falls (bbcwf.org), a fledgling church of which they are members. Memorials may also be made in Nancy Snow’s honor with Hospice of Wichita Falls and House of Hope.