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Fred Searles Obituary
Fred Searles Sr., 91, of the Back Mountain, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, son of Veronica Bisbing Searles and Henry John Searles.
Fred attended Coughlin High School. He enlisted in the Army and served with the 8th Regiment 1st Cavalry during the Korean War. He was captured Nov. 2 1950, and held a prisoner of war until Aug. 25, 1953. Upon returning home, he was self-employed in the Wilkes-Barre area and later operated Searles Trucking (now Searles Sanitation). He enjoyed the lasting friendships he created with his customers.
Fred became an advocate for all veterans and was involved with several organizations including the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization, VFW Post 283, NEPA POW Organization and the Gino Merli Center. He was exceptionally proud of his friendship, support and work helping other veterans access medical treatment and benefits.
He was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Margaret Reed Searles; brothers, Thomas, Robert and Henry; sister-in-law, Audrey Searles; and a grandson, Nathaniel Searles.
He was blessed with five children, sons, Fred (daughter-in-law, Maureen), Bruce, Michael and John; daughter, Peggy Teetsel Rinehimer (son-in-law, Keith); six grandchildren, Fred and Ryan Searles; Keith Rinehimer Jr.; and Shiannah Teetsel (fiancé, Tom Connors); Nicholas Searles; he was very proud to be blessed with one great-grandchild, Jami Connors; and six siblings, William (sister-in-law, the late Jean Searles); Veronica Earley (brother-in-law, Ed); and Maryann Cremard (brother-in-law, Louis).
Fred was grateful for his impeccable care, friendship, patience and cheerfulness provided by the nurses and staff at the Community Living Center, VA Hospital where he resided the past six years. He enjoyed bingo, cookouts, arts and recreation, physical therapy and coffee fellowship provided by the VA, American Legion and volunteers. He was also especially grateful to those who visited him and sent cards.
A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Daniel J. Hughes Funeral Home, 451 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.
Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Carverton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Searles
Sponsored by H Merritt Hughes Funeral Home Inc.
Cat
August 12, 2023
was thinking of you and my other guys on CLC, hope you and peg are dancing away!
Jeanine Wolczyk
December 4, 2022
Searles Family,
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. My Dad John"Red" Wolczyk was a close friend of Fred's in the VA, CLC. My family got to know Fred and we all loved "Uncle Fred". "Uncle Fred" loved my niece Lizzie from the moment he met her, she always brightened his day! Great memories of time spent together. He was truly an American Patriot. May Fred rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord.
He is in good company now
Jeanine Wolczyk and Family
mark
December 2, 2022
met fred at the WSLF. in the early 80,s have not seen him in over 30 some years, he was a man you never forgot., a good hardworking man. sorry to hear of his passing. MARK M.
Valerie May
December 2, 2022
Such a wonderful man he will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, Fly High with Your Angel Wings. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
Susan Searles
December 2, 2022
Uncle Freddy was a such a bright soul that will be dearly missed. My heart aches for the rest of the family but he is celebrating with Aunt Peggy, Grandma and his other siblings. Love always,
Marie
December 2, 2022
So very sorry, Peggy and family. Sounds like he was a beautiful heart and quick with a smile.
Loretta Johnson
December 2, 2022
My condolences to the Searles family. I am honored to have known Fred from working at the VA CLC. He was a hero and a great man in many ways. RIP Fred, you will be missed.
Jodie Miscavage
December 2, 2022
Rest in peace Fred. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sandy Teetsel Lord
December 2, 2022
My deepest sympathy. He used to always drop off vegetables in the summer time while on his route. He always had a smile on his face.
T Pashinski family
December 2, 2022
Condolences sent to your family.
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