William V. Symmonds

William Virgil "Bill" Symmonds, 75, of Keokuk, IA died Monday, June 12, 2006 at the Lexington Square in Keokuk, IA. He was born on March 7, 1931 in Warsaw, IL, the son of Virgil W. and Imogene Knight Symmonds. He first married Shirley Ann Hasten on October 1, 1949. She preceded him in death in February 1991. On May 16, 1992, Bill was united in marriage to Joyce Jones. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Terry "Corky" Symmonds and his wife Donna and Jim Symmonds and his wife Deborah all of Hamilton, IL, two daughters, Lydia Kemper and her husband Bill of West Point, IA, and Violet Steele of Keokuk, IA., two step-children, Darin Conners and his wife Lori of Williamstown, MO and Sonia Conners of Arizona, twelve grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, five sisters, Bernice Stoneking, Hazel Huffman and Julie Greer all of Keokuk, IA, Mary Kratzer of Arizona and Ruth Evanchai of Texas, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Jerry Symmonds, one sister, Merle Rose, one step-son, Denis Conners and one step-grandchild Bill was a graduate of the Warsaw High School in Warsaw, IL. He had owned and operated Bill's Auto Service (known as Symmonds Junkyard) in Hamilton, IL for over twenty years. After his retirement he and Joyce moved to Phoenix, Arizona and he worked for Auto Auction and Cox Communications for several years. They moved back to Keokuk in November of 2000 to be closer to their family. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA. Bill loved to play cards, read, go mushroom hunting and attend auctions. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. A special part of his family was his dog, Pepper, who was his constant companion. A memorial service was held at 7 p.m., Friday, June 16 at the First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Bill Mitchell officiating. Memorials may be made to the Lee County Hospice or the First Christian Church.