Steven G. Symmes, age 64 of Morley, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2016 at his home. He was born May 28, 1952 in Seattle, Washington, the son of Gwyn and Pauline (Lane) Symmes. Steves family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was a young boy. After high school Steve served a two year mission to Guatemala and El Salvador. He later served in the United States Navy as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive and was honorably discharged.

Steve earned a PhD in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught at Northern Michigan University, University of Iowa, Florida State University, Montana State University-Billings, and Ferris State University.

Steve is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ruth Symmes of Morley; mother, Pauline Symmes of Minnesota; two brothers, Bradd (Mary) Symmes of Utah and Craig (Judy) Symmes of Washington; two sisters, Colette (Lonnie) Crawford of Montana and Pennie Beach of Minnesota; mother-in-law, Kay Johnson and many nieces, nephews, extended family and endeared friends who will miss Steve and his personality.

Steve was preceded in death by his dad, Gwyn and father-in-law Raynold Johnson.

A visitation to celebrate Steves life will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2016 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or sign the guestbook online at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations in Steves name can be made to the U.S.O. supporting military families online at uso.org Visitation Friday, December 16, 2016 03:30 PM - 05:30 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307