Services Set for Local Family Members Lost in Plane Crash

From left: Breanna, 3-year-old Ryder, and Kyle Parton; Kim and Doug Symiczek; Jacob and Amanda Griffiths.

Separate memorial services will be held over the next week for three family members who died in a plane crash near Lake Elsinore on July 6.

Doug Symiczek, 49, of Menifee; Kyle Parton, 29, of Menifee; and Jacob Giffiths, 32, of Costa Mesa died when the small plane piloted by Symiczek crashed in the 31900 block of Ortega Highway as a result of engine failure.

Symiczek and his wife Kim are 25-year residents of Menifee who were preparing to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Parton and Griffiths were their sons-in-law.

Symiczek's daughter Breanna and her husband Kyle Parton have lived in Menifee for four years. Their second child, a daughter named Trulee, was born one week after the accident, on July 13. Breanna's sister Amanda Griffiths, expecting her first child in January, also lost her husband and her father in the crash. The Griffiths own a home in Costa Mesa.

Douglas John Symiczek (left) was born in Pasadena on Oct. 16, 1964. He was the youngest of four children. He went to high school in Bellflower, where he met his high school sweetheart, Kim. They quickly fell in love and were married on July 28, 1984. They had their first daughter Amanda in 1986 and their youngest daughter Breanna in 1990.

In 1989, the Symiczeks moved to Menifee, while Doug continued to work in Bellflower as an auto body tech. He started commuting by plane and he loved it, which is why he got his pilot's license in 1991. Symiczek always dreamed of starting his own company, which he fulfilled with DJS Fabrications.

Symiczek is remembered by family members this way:

"He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was always there when you needed him. He would do anything for his family and friends."

Symiczek is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kim; daughters Amanda and Breanna; grandchildren Ryder and Trulee; and a future grandchild.

Kyle Lawrence Parton (right) was born Oct. 1, 1984 and grew up in Yucaipa. A 2002 graduate of Yucaipa High School, he was employed by Burnham Energy and worked as a solar panel instructor.

Parton was described by his sister as someone who was "fun loving and an adventurous spirit who enjoyed golfing, hunting, dirt biking, and any other outdoor activity among the company of family friends. He will also be looked up to as a loving and caring father, husband, son, uncle and brother. He will be remember for his easygoing personality, sense of humor, and loving and compassionate ways."

Parton is survived by his wife Breanna; son Ryder, age 3; daughter Trulee, born July 13; parents Mark and Barbara Parton of Yucaipa; and sister Jen Parton of Yucaipa.

Following is information on the memorial services:

Service for Jacob Timothy Griffiths
Friday, July 18, 2 p.m.
Mariners Worship Center
5001 Newport Coast Drive
Irvine, CA
Reception on the lawn immediately following the service.

Service for Douglas John Symiczek
Saturday, July 19, 2 p.m.
Hans Christensen Middle School
27625 Sherman Road
Menifee, CA
Reception to follow

Service for Kyle Lawrence Parton
Wednesday, July 23, 11 a.m.
Redlands Calvary Chapel Packing House
9700 Alabama St.
Redlands, CA
Reception to follow

Kim Symiczek's wishes are that the July 19 memorial service for her husband in Menifee also be a celebration of the life of all three men.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the nearest Chase Bank or bank-to-bank online to the Symiczek, Griffiths and Parton Memorial Fund. Account number is 3025577627.

Donations may also be made through this gofundme account online.

Breanna Parton and her daughter Trulee, born on July 13. (Photo courtesy of Jen Parton)