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John Symes Obituary
Symes
John R. "Jack" Symes, age 84, of Ft. Myers, FL,
formerly of Canton, passed away Friday evening in Hope Hospice in Ft. Myers after an extended illness. He was born in Cleveland, OH, a son of the late Louis and Louise Koch Symes, and had been a Canton resident most of his life. Jack was a 1942 graduate of Middlebranch High School. He retired in 1986 as owner of Symes & Son Flowers, which he and his wife had operated for over 50 years. Jack was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Canton and Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers. He had been a Boy Scout Troup Leader and Pres. of the Pleasant View PTA when his children were in school. He was a member of Willowbrook Lions Club and the Canton Florists Assn. Jack was a 50-year member of Canton Lodge #60, F. & A.M., also a member of Tadmor Temple, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton. He was coroneted an Honorary 33rd Degree in 1979 in Chicago, IL. Jack served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in New Guinea. Survived by his wife, Betty L. Symes, with whom he celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary on April 25th; one daughter and son-in-law, Cathy Symes Balas and her husband, Don, of Cedarville, OH; one son and daughter-in-law, Robin and Barbara Symes, of Akron; and one granddaughter, Laurel Symes, of Norwich, VT, a graduate student at Dartmouth College. Services will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2551 55th St. NE (corner of Middlebranch & 55th St. NE) with Pastor Mark A. Williams officiating. Interment in Warstler Cemetery. Friends may call Wed. 6-8 p.m. at the Formet- Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home. Masonic Services will be held at 5:45 p.m. Wed. in the funeral home.
Formet-Clevenger & Gordon
(330) 456-4766
www.gordonfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Symes
Terry Fearon
November 12, 2008
Betty, you and Jack were one of our nicest customers and you have our deepest sympathy. Jack brought a blooming night series plant to our home one night for us to enjoy and we will always have that fond memory of his generosity. Bless you all.
Donna (Polen) Mathias
November 12, 2008
Dear Betty, Cathy & Robin,
I am so sorry for your loss, Jack was a very special husband and dad. I have so many fond memories of my times at the greenhouse with all of you and grandma and grandpa Symes. I will always remeber Jack with hose in hand watering the plants in the greenhouse. I am sorry I will not be there for the services. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Donna (Polen) Mathias
November 12, 2008
Dear Betty, Cathy & Robin,
I was so sorry to hear about Jack, you are all in my prayers. I have so many fond memories of my time at the flower shop with grandma and grandpa Symes and of course Jack & Betty. I will always remember Jack with a hose in his hand watering at the greenhouse. I am sorry I will miss the service for Jack as I am in Ft Myers Beach for the next 2 weeks. Robin, I will see you when I get back, my love and blessing to you, your mom and sister.
Steve & Jackie Dunker
November 12, 2008
The world has lost a wonderful person and loving family member, but we have all gained from Jack's many years with us...He has shown through his life and his actions the importance of leading by example -his dedication to family and friends, his zest for life and his tremendous work ethics. Best wishes to you Betty...Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Donna Dummer
November 11, 2008
Betty and family...our thoughts and prayers have been with all of you these past few days. We will be thinking of you during the funeral, wishing we could all be there sharing in the celebration of Jack's life. I always appreciated his love for his family whether the relatives are still alive or have passed on years ago. Take care! Glen and Donna Dummer, Red Wing, MN
Amy Hager & Chris Combs
November 11, 2008
Dear Symes Family,
We had such good times with Jack in Florida and Ohio, and treasure his nature-loving gifts. Our sympathy is with you. When I think of Jack, I think of exotic flowers and plant talk. Chris and I will miss him!
Robert Mani
November 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sue Evanoff
November 11, 2008
Rob & Barb--
So very sorry to hear of your father's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
Gloria Sollie Riefer
November 11, 2008
Dear Betty and Family,
I am so saddened by Jack's passing. I have many special memories of working with you both and with Mr. and Mrs. Symes in the flower shop and greenhouse. I remember making the mum corsages for the cheerleaders and majorettes to wear at all of the football games...something that Symes Flowers did for many years for the students of Plain schools. I only hope that Jack's (and your) generosity and spirit will be remembered by many who received your gifts.
Your friendship with my parents during all of the 33rd activities that you shared were a highlight for my parents. Thank you for that.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Gloria Sollie Riefer
Scott and Peggy Loudon
November 11, 2008
Jack was such a wonderful man, kind generous and loving. He will be greatly missed by us.
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Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home1803 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton, OH 44709
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