Mr. Herbert LeRoy Searles, 88, passed away Friday, March 13, 2020, at Homewood Health Campus in Lebanon, Indiana. He was born in Huntington County, Indiana, on May 14, 1931, a son of the late Alva Lee and Mildred Elizabeth (Buzzard) Searles.
He married Neysa Marie (Earnest) Searles on June 27, 1952 in Marion, Indiana. She survives.
Herbert was raised in Huntington County, where he graduated from Jefferson High School. Following school, he served his country honorably in the United States Army from July 1951 to 1953.
In 1961 the Searles family moved to Lebanon and Mr. Searles opened the Brunt’s Clothing Store. He also was a realtor and during retirement, he worked as a custodian at Harney Elementary School.
For many years Herb was active in the Lebanon Elks Lodge and the Masonic Lodge. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking and gardening. His greatest joy came from being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Survivors include:
Wife: Neysa Searles of Lebanon, IN
Five Children: David (Barry) Searles – Baton Rouge, LA
Lindley (Teri) Searles – Indianapolis, IN
Douglas (MaryBeth) Searles – Lebanon, IN
Janet (Kevin) O’Brien – Eckerty, IN
Kris Talbott – Lebanon, IN
Twelve Grandchildren: Paige (Kevin) Walker
Morgan Searles
Grace (Michael) Foster
Adam (Lauren) Searles
Mitchell Searles
Tasha Searles
Danielle (Joseph) Dirlam
Tyler Searles
Dustin (Laura) O’Brien
Leslie (Clint) Stewart
Brittany Talbott
Nolan Talbott
14 Great Grandchildren
Siblings: Gene (Pat) Searles – Huntington, IN
Ray (Jane) Searles – Bluffton, IN
Mable (Bob) Burnsworth – Huntington, IN
Ruth Shenefield – Huntington, IN
Sisters-In-Law: Peggy Searles – Huntington, IN
Kim Searles – Franklin, IN
Herb was preceded in death by his brothers; Glen Searles, Joe Searles, Roger Searles, and Carl Searles; sisters, Mary Louise Anderson, Barb Searles, and Carlette Searles; and brother-in-law, Maurice Shenefield.
Private Funeral Services are planned for Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at Myers Mortuary in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will also be private.
Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorials may be made in his honor to the Boy Scouts of America and/or Lebanon Senior Center.
