Raymond Keith "Butch" Symmonds, 82, of Hamilton, IL, passed away at 5:25 AM Friday, April 17, 2020, at his home.
Butch was born September 25, 1937, in Nauvoo, IL, the son of John L. and Genevieve Markley Symmonds. He served in the United States Navy as an Electrician Mate 2nd Class during the Korean and Vietnam War era, being honorably discharged in 1960. He married Ruth Dunham on November 4, 1961 in Hamilton, IL and later divorced. On May 3, 1980, he was united in marriage to Debbie Bode in Keokuk, IA. She survives.
He was a lifelong resident of the Hamilton/Keokuk area. Butch was a heating/air conditioning technician and an electrician who became a co-owner of Houston Brothers Heating and Air and known as "Skeeter". He was later co-owner of Seven Seas Laundry and Houston/Symmonds Realty. During his retirement, he was a maintenance worker for Keokuk Savings Bank. He was of the protestant faith and would give generously of his time and experience to those in need. He was a former member of B.P.O. Elks, Southside Boat Club, Eagles, Moose and was a lifetime member of the Hamilton American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He enjoyed sports including St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes. Butch loved NASCAR racing and followed Ramo Scott's racing career.
Butch is survived by his wife, Debbie of Hamilton, IL; two daughters, Heidi Wilson of Hamilton, IL and Kristin (Patrick) Perez of Sycamore, IL; two stepdaughters, Nikki Davis of Keokuk, IA and Tiffany Baumle of Keokuk, IA; grandchildren, Danielle (Jordan) Shuman of Carthage, IL, Taylor (Terry) Briggs of Hamilton, IL, Téa and Kieran Perez of Sycamore, IL, Stephanie Feikert of Keokuk, IA, Trent (Chloe Carter) Rockelman of Ames, IA, Kelsee (Jacob) Dobler of West Burlington, IA, Brendon Baumle of Egg Harbor, NJ, Breckon Housewright of Carthage, IL, and Brock Baumle of Hamilton, IL; and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Alice Jean Hartweg of Hamilton, IL, Faye Rairden of Keokuk, IA, and two brothers, John (Judy) Symmonds of Benson, NC and Max (Frankie) Symmonds of Rim Rock, AZ; and extended family of Roger, Veronica, Vicki and David Houston; along with many family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert Symmonds, Ray Gene Symmonds, Fern Davies, Dorothy Dawson, Ruth Kraft, Betty Wright and nieces and nephews. Also preceding him was Otis Houston and his wife Wortha Houston. Otis was a father figure to Butch.
Due to the restrictions surrounding COVID-19, there will be no services at this time. However, the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his name and contributions may be sent to DeJong-Greaves at 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, IA 52632. Checks can be made out to Debbie Symmonds.
Please enter tributes and condolences at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.