William Finley Symes

Dr. William Finley Symes Sr., 93, of Jefferson City, formerly of St. Louis, passed away Friday, November 18, 2016, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born February 8, 1923, in Lubbock, Texas, the son of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Baker) Symes. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., and later earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University in New York City. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy. He was united in marriage on August 31, 1946, in Memphis, Tenn., to Gene Dickson who preceded him in death on June 21, 2006. He later married Shelia Ann Logan in 2009, in Jefferson City, Mo. Dr. Symes worked as a research manager for Monsanto Company in St. Louis and also served as President of the Monsanto Fund. After his retirement from Monsanto, he taught and advised at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Survivors include his wife, Shelia Symes, Jefferson City; four children, William (Patsy) Symes, Fayetteville, Ark., Fred Symes, Tampa, Fla., Baker (Hannah) Symes, St. Louis, Mo., David Symes, Tampa, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Zachary (fiancée Anna Kolodzej) Los Angeles, Calif. and Kesava Symes, Tallmadge, Ohio. Visitation will be 11-11:45 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Second Baptist Church. A memorial service will be 12 (noon) Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Cornell C. Sudduth Sr. officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association, 915 Country Ridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.