Obituary of Howard Symonds

Howard E. Symonds, 89, of Lebanon Township, NJ, died peacefully at his home on June 8, 2014. Howard was born on February 20, 1925 to the late Goldie and Mamie (Bair) Symonds in Hanover Township, NJ. His large family of nine moved to a farm in Lebanon Township when he was a young boy. He attended a one room school house in Changewater and graduated from Hampton High School. Howard was a decorated US Army war veteran. He served during WWII and was stationed in the Phillipines, landing 7 beach heads. An account of his war stories was published in the book, "To Honor and to Serve". Howard was an avid big game hunter and fisherman. He hunted big game on safari in Africa on several occasions. He was a founding member in The National Sporting Fraternity, and several of his hunting adventures were featured in their publications, including "The Buffalo Book". Howard was very active throughout his lifetime in civil service. He was the former Mayor of Lebanon Township, serving 2 terms in the 1960's. He served Lebanon Township in many capacities; Building Inspector, Zoning Officer, Secretary of the Board of Health, Plumbing and Code Officer. And most recently, until the time of his death, as a Soil Log Witness. He was one of the original founders of the Lebanon Township Volunteer Fire Department. Howard had a long career as the General Manager of the Journal of Commerce newspaper. Above all, Howard cherished spending time with his family and many good friends. His life was a rich and full adventure and he leaves behind a legacy to be remembered for generations to come. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Genevieve (Twining) Symonds. His sons Jess and his wife, Marnie (Lahmann) Symonds, of Lebanon Township and Bryce Symonds of Sarasota, Florida. Three granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Lindsay, and Tori Symonds, of Lebanon Township. His sister Doris of California. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen and John Symonds, and two sisters, Helen and Lenore, and grandson, Kristofer Kelly Symonds. Visitation will be held at the DeVoe Funeral Service 136 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ on Friday June 13, 2014 from 6-8 pm and Saturday June 14 from 10-11:45 am. A funeral service will be held following at 11:45 am. The DeVoe Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please see www.devoefuneral.com for online condolences.