Dick Searles

Richard Edwin “Dick” Searles, 70, of Poteau, OK passed away Monday, April 13, 2015 in Poteau.  Dick was born in Haverhill, MA on July 24, 1944 to Walter & Margaret (Batchelder) Searles.  Dick was a member of the First Baptist Church in Poteau & Scottish Rite of Freemasonry & a member of the Poteau Masonic Lodge #46 for 40 years.  Dick was a veteran of the US Army.  He came to Oklahoma at the age of 19 beginning his work career with Poteau Motor Company after which he worked two years for Holton’s business office.  He spent 19 years with Johnson Control in Poteau and Kentucky, 13 years with Clarion Mfg. in Walton, KY, 13 years with Kenton County Sheriff’s office.  He was preceded in death by his parents & his son, Doyle Wayne Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bessie “Louise” Searles and daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Schmitz; granddaughters, Abigail “Abby” Schmitz, Aracely Ortiz and Sharolyn Bravo; many family members and friends.

Services will be 10 am, Saturday, April 18, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Poteau, OK with  Phil McGehee, Frank Harris, Larry Harris & Tom Chapelle sharing memories.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Mike Pritchett, Larry Henry, Bob Lindstrom, JR. Sockey, Bill Hoffman,  Bert Corr, Bob Dorey and Steve Schmitz.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Masonic Lodge.

The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.