Fred W. Symmank

Fred W. Symmank, 88, of Belton went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday May 28, 2009 at the Temple Brethren Church in Temple with Pastor Larry Zabcik officiating. Private burial was held at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Pallbearers for Mr. Symmank will be Grandchildren Christopher Symmank, Michael and Phillip Johnson, and Matthew, Jessica and Kevin Camp. Fred was born August 22, 1920 in Giddings, Texas to Herman H. Symmank and Ida Lena (Goebel) Symmank. He grew up in Eola, Texas. He started working early in his life at his dad's welding shop. Fred became fascinated with aviation when he helped repair and maintain a small aircraft that his father part owned. During W.W. II Fred enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was assigned to the 65th Squadron of the 57th Fighter Group and served in North Africa. Discharged as a Master Sergeant, Engineering Chief, he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his services. His love of aviation took him to Dallas where he made his career of 37 years at Braniff Airlines, retiring as Power Plant Jet Engine Engineer. On June 6, 1948, Fred married Dorothy Louise Motl in Temple, Texas and had three children, six grandchildren and a great grandson. Fred loved water sports. He and Dorothy built their own cabin cruiser, "OLD BLUE", and exposed water sports to his family and many many friends. Fred grew up as a member in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and was a charter member of two Lutheran Churches in the Dallas area and has been a member of the Temple Brethren Church since 1982. He actively enjoyed membership in the Bell County Sportsman Club, Blue Jay RV Club, SPJST #47, 57th Fighter Group, Braniff Retirement Club, Holy Cross Lutheran Pitch Club, and a local neighborhood club in Carrollton, Texas. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roy and William Dan Symmank. Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy and three children. David and Susan Symmank of El Dorado Hills, California, grandson Christopher and Dana Symmank, great grandson Cadence Skyler Symmank and a step-great grandson Christian of Austin, Texas, Dianne and Tom Johnson and two grandsons Michael and Phillip of Dallas, Texas, and Donna and Jim Camp of Conway, Arkansas, grandsons, Matthew Camp and Kevin Camp and granddaughter, Jessica Camp. His sister Mabel and husband Ed Powell of Shreveport Louisiana. Sister-In-Law Barbara Symmank of Jasper, Texas. In lieu of flowers or gifts memorials may be made to the Temple Brethren Church, 2202 Bird Creek Drive, Temple, Texas 76502. The family would like to thank the many dedicated workers and volunteers from the VA Hospice Unit and the Vista Care Group for the wonderful loving care received during difficult times.