Harold "Dean" Symmes' Obituary
Harold “Dean” Symmes
WWII Veteran
Lakeland – Harold Dean Symmes, 89, went to be with the Lord on Mon. May 25, 2015 at Good Shepherd Hospice.
Dean was born on June 8, 1925 in Litchfield, IL to Earl and Ferne Symmes. Mr. Symmes proudly served our country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Serving abroad the USS LANG DD399, known as the LUCKY LANG. A Benham- class destroyer in WWII, it served as flagship of Destroyer Division 15. Though heavily involved in nearly every major campaign of the war in the Pacific, the USS LANG survived it all with hardly a scratch. Dean was a very proud TIN CAN SAILOR, a true Veteran that loved to share his stories.
Dean was the owner of the Crest Buffet Restaurant for many years. He was a very loving husband and caring father. He will be truly missed by all that knew him for a great sense of humor.
Dean is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Patsy. Dean has six children from a previous marriage, Mike (Theresa), Brad (Angie) and Kevin Symmes, Tracy (Mark) Stephenson, David (Marianne) and Jody Symmes. Also our loving dear friend, Bernice Sherrell Hanson and brother-in-law, Benjamin (Nadine) Overton. We have 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Fri. from 10-11 am at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd. Lakeland. Funeral services will follow at 11 am at the funeral chapel. Interment will be in Oak Hill Burial Park.
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