Richard Herbert "Dick" Symm

Richard Herbert "Dick" Symm passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the age of 82. Dick was born June 5, 1936 to Richard and Dorothy Symm in Three Rivers, TX. He was raised in San Antonio and graduated as Valedictorian of South San Antonio High School in 1954, and achieved his Master's of Arts Degree in Chemistry at the newly named Southwest Texas State University in 1963. Dick worked at Dow Chemical for 32 years before retirement, with 6 patents as a Research Chemist. He married Dolores Petersen in 1961 and had three children: John, Steve, and Joan. Dick took his sons and daughter on many fishing and hunting trips, sharing his love of nature and the outdoors. He later married Loretta Clement Hughes in 1986 and became a stepfather to Lorie Novak and Jimmy Hughes. Dick and Loretta were avid travelers by land, sea, and air with their favorite destinations as Glacier National Park and Yosemite National Park. He spent his "free time" volunteering at The Angleton United Methodist Church by keeping their food pantry stocked on a regular basis, performing this valuable service for ten years. Dick is survived by his wife, Loretta Clement Symm; children John Symm, Steve Symm (Beth Sarles), Joan Symm Kimber (Greg), Lorie Novak (Terry), and Jimmy Hughes (Jenny); fourteen grandchildren (Torie Hodder, Julie Hughes, Kristy Myers, Jeremy Hughes, Kirby Kimber Hoberg, Shelby Kimber, Steven Symm, Clare Kimber, Seth Symm, Mary Catherine Kimber, Xena Bombales, Zofiel Bombales, Genevieve Kimber, and Mackenzie Symm); thirteen great-grandchildren (Gabe Keith, Kaylee Keith, Camden Hodder, Kiley Alexander, Zachary Williams, John Hoberg, Greyson Myers, Therese Hoberg, Zoyie Symm, Rylan Myers, Tahlia Symm, Felicity Hoberg, and Athena Symm); siblings David Symm (Mike) and Lynn McCreless (Ron); numerous nieces and nephews; and many beloved cats. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joyce Seidensticker. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who assisted in Dick's care over the years. A memorial service will be held at The First United Methodist Church in Angleton, TX on Saturday, June 1 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The First United Methodist Church in Angleton Food Pantry (219 N. Arcola St., Angleton TX 77515) or Brazoria County SPCA (141 Canna Ln., Lake Jackson TX 77566). In addition, a donation table will be set up at the memorial service for food pantry items and pet food.