David Murry Symonds, 85, of Jefferson, passed away Feb. 14 at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta after a period of failing health.
David was born Jan. 8, 1926 in Gloucester, Mass., the son of Raymond Francis and Mary Elizabeth Philbrick Symonds, and was a graduate of Gloucester High School, class of 1944.
Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy, serving for three years, including tours in the South Pacific.
In 1947, he married the love of his life, Alice “Kinsy” Webber, together making their home in Essex, Mass. until 1966, when they moved to Maine. They first resided in Rockland, where they operated a poultry farm, finally settling in Jefferson in 1970. For the last 35 years they continued poultry farming until retirement. Along with the poultry farm he worked on the construction of the Maine Yankee Power Plant and mowed both state and town roads for many years.
Active in many fraternal organizations, he was a member of the Royal Lodge # 50 AF & AM in Rockland, in 1973 joined Riverside Lodge #135, AF & AM in Jefferson, where he was a past Master, and was past Patron of Lakeview Chapter #179 OES. He also was a member of Charles C. Lilly Post, American Legion in Waldoboro, VFW Post 9437 in Washington, and member of LST 1030 Association of Amphibious Ships.
His hobbies included spending time in his gardens, working on small engines and carpentry.
He is predeceased by his wife Alice “Kinsy” Symonds, who died May 3, 2010, and son, Jeffrey Symonds.
Survivors include his son, Steven Symonds of Belgrade; daughter, Diane S. Gagne of Poland; grandchildren, Bill Feener of Belmont, Chris Feener of Clearwater, Fla., Daniel Gagne of Mechanic Falls, Jody Madore of Sabattus, and Renee Symonds and Chandler Symonds, both of Belgrade; great-grandchildren, Landon, Cameron, Mason, Tristan and Bill Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
Chapel service 10 a.m., Wed., Feb. 23, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd. Augusta.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the Symonds family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to Togus Volunteer Services, Togus VA; VAVS 1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 with checks payable to VAVS.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
