JEFFERY SEARLES

Jeffery Scott Searles August 8, 1951 - April 19, 2012 Jeff was born at the Oaknoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA and was a patient at the VA Hospital in Seattle when he passed away. He served in the U.S. Army as an artillery surveyor in Vietnam after training at Fort Lewis and Fort Sill, OK. Jeff attended Wainwright and Sherman Elementary Schools, followed by Mason Jr. High and Wilson High School, graduating in 1969. Jeff had many interests, including baseball, skiing, mountain climbing, bicycling, and good food. He excelled in high school math and his art classes. He enjoyed reading books on a wide variety of topics by different authors. Jeff worked for the Boeing Co. in Everett as a Technical Illustrator for publication in aircraft manuals while taking college courses during a 3-year period. Jeff completed his working career at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard, dismantling retired Navy vessels and modifying others. Jeff was always a delight to be with on family outings in the early years on bicycle trips, as well as when the family began skiing. He was an excellent skier and took a Mountaineers Climbing Course when a teenager. This was a very good time, with notable climbs of Glacier Peak and Mt. St. Helens before the eruption. Jeff leaves two brothers, Gregory and Douglas, his parents Carol and Leland, and many relatives and friends. A funeral service is set for 1:00 pm on June 11th, 2012 at The New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Road West in University Place (253-564-1311). A brief ceremony honoring Jeff will be held at 1:00 pm on June 14th at the Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent WA 98402 (425-413-9614).