He was born July 26, 1922, in Wilkes Barre, Penn., the son of William M. and Hilda (Laub) Syme.

On June 6, 1953, in Bellaire, he married the former Nona J. Knutson who survives.

Fred graduated from Kentucky Military Academy in 1939 and attended Hobart College in upstate New York. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a B-24 pilot with the 8th Air Force in England from 1942 to 1945.

Fred retired in 1984 after working 39 years for Airco-BOC, where he was general manager in Mapp Gass, as well as president of Magnolia Welding Co. and Jackson Products.

Besides fishing, golf, and his love for friends, his greatest pleasures were his summers on Torch Lake with his grandchildren Katie, Tommy and Scott. They are blessed with many fabulous memories and will miss Fred very much.

Surviving along with his wife, Nona, is a daughter Carrie (Tom) Wolfenberger of Houston, Tex.; grandson, Thomas Wolfenberger of Houston; granddaughter Katie Wolfenberger and great-granddaughter Mattia of Bellaire.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William and Robert; sister Janet Baily; and best friend grandson Scott Wolfenberger. A memorial service for Fred will be held some time in the late spring or early summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions in FredÕs name to the Scott Wolfenberger Memorial Fund, C/O Faith Community Church, 16155 Aspenglenn, Houston, Tex., 77084. Arrangements are by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please visit our online guest book at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.