Robert "Bob" Goodall Symon was born on November 1, 1902 in Brookfield, MO. His Father, William, was an engineer for the Burlington Railroad, and his Mother, Janet, took care of the seven children. The parents had emigrated from Scotland, and only Bob and a sister were born in the United States.

The family moved to St. Joseph, MO and Bob Symon was enrolled in Central High School where he participated in athletics. Additionally, he had a night job at the old Livestock Exchange Building in South St. Joseph, MO.

Always the go-getter, Bob began work after graduation from high school for E.K. Corrigan & Co., a livestock order buyer. Before long, Bob had bought the firm and renamed it R.G. Symon & Co. That was the name of the firm from 1922 until 1972, the year Bob passed away from cancer. Bob's reputation in the business was impeccable and his word was his bond.

Bob's life rivaled that of Horatio Alger in that Bob's humble beginnings did not in any way stop him from attaining his goals. One of those goals was being a good father and provider to his family, which he certainly was. Another was to live life to its fullest and that included participating in sports, be it basketball (Bob was on the National Championship Hillyard's Team), golf, tennis, or perhaps his favorite, handball, which he played three times a week for fifty years. He and his Gymnastic Society comrades were responsible for the building of the first regular-size handball courts at the old YMCA.

Although Bob was unable to attend college, he literally burst with pride at the fact that his daughter and son both attended college and that his daughter went on to become a lawyer.

Bob was in DeMolay, a 32nd degree Mason, a Member of the Moila Shrine Temple, a Member of the Jesters, a Member of both the St. Joseph Country Club and Benton Club. His friends numbered many in that he was willing to share his life with many and all.

The Bob Symon Memorial Handball Tournament, initiated in 1972 by Bob's handball-playing buddies, is a fitting tribute to both a devoted handball player and a fine person.