Born poor in Putnam, OK, at age 18, Ben headed to CA with only the clothes he was wearing. He was a Marine, then worked at the Naval Weapons Station, Pomona, until retirement. He lived a full life as a son, brother to five siblings, husband, father of four, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His body was donated to Science Care. He is survived by his wife, Edna; his eldest son, Warren Benjamin Snethen Jr.; and his daughter, Pamela Snethen.
He was preceded in death by his 2nd son, unnamed; his 3rd son, Scott Snethen; and his first grandson, Warren Benjamin Snethen III. He had grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in various parts of the nation.