John Leslie Searles
November 16, 1945 – June 3, 2023

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our brother, father, uncle, and grandfather, MSgt (USAF Ret.) John Leslie Searles, who passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and a zest for life that will forever be remembered.

Born on Friday, November 16, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio, John was the son of Leslie Lutell and Regina Mae Leach Searles (both deceased).  He was the second oldest of four children.  His siblings include David, Jeanne, and Mark (deceased).  From an early age, growing up on a small farm in central Ohio, John exhibited a strong sense of service and an unyielding love for his country, the United States of America. 

In 1964, shortly after graduating from Northridge High School in the small rural town of Croton, Ohio, he willingly answered the nation's call to duty.  John enlisted in the Air Force at the height of the Vietnam War, recognizing the unique opportunity to serve his country while pursuing his passion for aviation.  His dedication led him to become an aircraft hydraulics systems mechanic.  He served two tours in Vietnam and had numerous stateside and overseas assignments, including the Philippines and Germany, throughout his 25-year tenure.  After retiring from active duty in 1990, John served for another twenty years as a civilian at Edward Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert.

Outside of his military career, John possessed a spirited personality and pursued diverse interests.  He was known for his goofy sense of humor, always ready to brighten the room with his laughter and wit.  His love for playing the clarinet and puzzles brought him joy, and he often shared his musical talent with family and friends.  In March 2020, he moved from Victorville, California, to Bryan/College Station, Texas, to spend his final years closer to family.  His love for God and country was evident to all he met, often serenading his neighbors and assisted living center staff with gospel hymns and patriotic songs.

Before his health challenges, he found solace and freedom on his beloved motorcycle, embodying the spirit of adventure and independence.  Though unable to ride when he moved to Texas, John became an honorary Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association member, finding camaraderie and support among fellow veterans who shared his experiences.  He deeply cherished his fellow servicemen and women, and his unapologetic patriotism was a testament to his love for his country and the freedoms it represented.

John was married and divorced twice and blessed with six children from those unions.  He had four children with his first wife, Lucia Lao Go (deceased), and two with his second wife, Araceli Gabad Arce.  He loved his children dearly.  His legacy will live on through his children, who will carry his values, strength, and resilience forward.

He is survived by his brother David and wife, Sherri, who resides in Grove, Oklahoma; sister Jeanne and husband, Joe, of Grove, Oklahoma; son Reynald and husband, Scotty, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; son Joseph and wife, Charity, of Dover, Delaware; daughter Lucinda and husband, Steve, of Greenwood, Delaware; daughter Rose and husband, Randy, of Dover, Delaware; son James and wife, Evony, of Bryan, Texas; and daughter Jamie of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. John is also survived by 13 grandchildren!

A funeral service honoring John's life will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 8:30 AM at the Treviño-Smith Funeral Home (2610 South Texas Ave., Bryan, TX 77802). Following the service, a burial will take place in San Antonio at 2:30PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209), where John will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his service and sacrifices.

In memory of John, the family kindly requests donations to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, a cause close to his heart. John's patriotism, love for people, and dedication to serving his country will forever be remembered. His spirit will live on in our hearts, and we will honor his memory by embracing life with the same passion and zest he possessed.

 

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TrevinoSmithFH.com 
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