Ethan Scott Searcy

Ethan Scott Searcy was born on a Thursday in Central California and died on a Thursday in Northwest Missouri. Between those two days was a life full of adventure, laughter, curiosity, and lots of pizza.

Ethan lived most of his life in Lawson, Missouri, attending all the Lawson schools and graduating from Lawson High School in 2021. As a child, he had an encyclopedic understanding of dinosaurs and eagerly shared his knowledge with anyone who would listen. He loved learning, collected facts, and was a master storyteller. A true gamer at heart, Ethan had incredible fine motor skills and a sharp sense of humor. He was witty but kind, an introvert but warm, and to those closest to him, fiercely loyal.

For a good portion of Ethan's childhood, he was committed to finding Bigfoot in the woods. As a teenager, he poured himself into cultivating a close-knit tribe of friends. As a young adult, he worked hard to provide for his family-at Miller's Custom Cabinets, in various retail jobs, and most recently at Newcomer Plumbing.

When Ethan graduated high school, he walked the aisle with one of his best friends, Valerie Kivett-whom he would later walk down a wedding aisle with on September 21, 2024. His love and care for Valerie was genuine and gentle.

August 25, 2025, gave Ethan one of his greatest titles: Father. When Octavia (Via) Vee Searcy was born, she changed his world in all the best ways. For the five months she had him, Via had the most attentive and loving daddy in the world.

Ethan is survived by his wife, Valerie Searcy, and daughter Octavia Searcy (Lawson, MO); parents Zack & Sheena Searcy (Indianapolis, IN) and Robert & Holly Kivett (Lawson, MO); sisters Grace (Caleb) Bessa (Oak Creek, WI) and Taylor Searcy (Indianapolis, IN); grandparents David & Cindy Eichler (New Palestine, IN), Jennine Searcy (Arroyo Grande, CA), and Steve & Nancy Holland; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ethan was preceded in death by his grandfather Kenneth Searcy and Valerie's grandparents Robert Kivett, Sr. and Judith Kivett.

Ethan put his faith in Jesus Christ. We have not lost him-we know exactly where he is. But we will miss him dearly until we meet him again.

Services for Ethan will be held at Lawson Assembly of God (527 W. 6th Street, Lawson, MO) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Visitation will take place from 4:00–6:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service.

A GoFundMe has been created to support Valerie and Via as they navigate the days ahead:

https://gofund.me/62509568c