Delrae Symons, Sr.

DelRae Symons, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on June 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. DelRae Symons was born to George Symons and Margaret Williams on November 15, 1938 in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. He was the third son in a family of 6 siblings.

DelRae was a happy child. He learned a lot growing up on a Ranch. He learned how to work hard but enjoy it. He learned carpentry from his grandfather and how to repair the farm equipment by tearing things apart and finding ways to fix them. He was a resourceful problem solver. He could look at the problem and come up with a very constructive way to fix it. He could fix anything. He could take a part from one piece of equipment and make it work on another. Most times the repair ended up better than the original.

He loved the ranch and would go there regularly to help with whatever was needed. He loved being on the tractor as it was relaxing for him. He loved planting, harvesting and especially working with the livestock. The last few years the family has been working to restore the original homestead cabin. They have all enjoyed working together to get it done. He passed on his love of the area of his childhood to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He went to school at Lava Elementary School, North Marsh High School (Arimo) graduating in 1957. He received a scholarship to play football for Snow College. He came home from college to help send his brother on a mission.

He married LaRene Kelley on November 25, 1959. They had six children Kelli, Sharma, DelRae, Heidi, Logan, and Jason. They began their life together in Lava Hot Springs eventually settling down in Inkom, Idaho for the past 57 years. They were partners in crime and were never apart.

He held multiple jobs: butcher, bartender, bread delivery driver, and gas station manager until finding his niche at Simplot for over 30 years. Dad worked his way up in the ranks and became a wonderful “white hat” supervisor. He also received a wonderful award.

Coffee Cup Award given in 1980.
If being helpful was a disease, DelRae Symons, you would be the national poster boy. You are described by your friends as an addict – addicted to helping others. You can’t stop being good. The very fiber and sinews of your body demand that you are in constant motion of helping others. Whether it be traveling all night through the lonely mountains of Wyoming to help a brother or working more hours on the Simplot Employee’s Park than anyone else. Because of this wonderful attribute, you are considered a chosen flower … a friend … a saint.
Everyone you know is a brother or a sister. Your family of friends and coworkers receive everything you can give --- especially your concerns, your time, and your smile. NO job is too big or too small, too unimportant, or too time consuming. When people need help, you gladly give it. You enjoy life to its fullest. You make life better for those who know you. You are a rare person.

DelRae was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held several positions such as Ward Clerk, Financial Clerk, Counselor in the Bishopric, High Council, administering brother, and temple worker. DelRae and LaRene served a mission to Ohio working at the Johnson Farm and at the Kirkland Temple.

He loved helping people and spending time with his family. He was always the first to volunteer if someone needed help. We are grateful for the impact he had on all of us and for the memories we will always cherish.
As a man Dad never felt ashamed to cry, show emotion or say “I love you” because the best man we all knew would do it without a second thought.
Dad also had a beautiful voice and would sing in the ward choir and would be asked to sing at various events.

He is survived by his wife, LaRene Symons; brothers, Dewaine Symons, Lynden (Candace) Symons, Dean (Fran) Symons; and sister, Carolyn (Thomas) Ranstrom; children, Kelli (Danny) Schwab, Sharma (Clayton) Armstrong, DelRae (Sally) Symons, Heidi (Richard) Higashi, Logan (Jenni) Symons, and Jason (Kari) Symons. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 11 am at the LDS church, 150 Snow Peak Blvd. Inkom, Idaho with a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior. Burial will follow at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery.