Steve was born in Yakima on May 29, 1958. He was the second of four boys born to Gerald and Evelyn (Stone) Searl.
Steve attended Hoover Elementary, and Davis High School.
As a young boy, Steve and his family spent many weekends camping, fishing, hiking and riding motorcycles. Some of the family’s favorite memories are staying in their small trailer that their Dad built, and camping around Rimrock Lake. As a family in the winter, they would ride snowmobiles and hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. Steve enjoyed being outdoors in the mountains with his family.
Steve loved to compete in track for the Special Olympics. He would come home from his track meets, wearing his medals around his neck, and a big smile on his face. In 1989 Steve had the honor of carrying the Special Olympics torch through downtown Yakima. The torch made its way eventually to the state’s Special Olympics summer games in Fort Lewis.
Steve also loved to bowl, and competed in many Special Olympics tournaments around the Valley. He also enjoyed playing basketball, and a highlight for him and his family was playing at the Sundome in a 3 on 3 tournament with his three brothers and Dad.
For many years, Friday nights were spent with the entire family down at the YMCA playing basketball and swimming together.
As a young adult Steve worked at the Bushwacker Restaurant, and later worked for Deli de Pasta, and Yakima Specialties.
Steve had a heart of gold and loved everyone he met. He was often seen around town riding his bike and visiting people he knew. He loved life, loved to be active, and everyone was his friend. He taught us all how to live simply with a sweet child-like expectation, and enjoy your life, no matter what situation you are in.
Steve often talked about Heaven and Jesus and that he would be with his Dad again. We love and will miss you Stevie… but we rejoice that you are now free, and with Dad again!!
The family would like to thank the staff at Community Living who loved and cared for Steve, for many years of his life. And thank you to Landmark Nursing Home and Cedar Hills Adult Family Homes who cared for Steve this past year.
Steve is preceded in death by his grandparents Russell and Agnes Searl, Aven and Vivian Stone, and his father, Gerald D. Searl.
He is survived by his mother, Evelyn Searl, brothers, Randy (Susan) Searl, Alan (Diane) Searl, and Kevin Searl (Barb Jensen), his nieces and nephews, Adam (Nicole), Emily, KC (Junior), Rachel (Dakota), Bradley, and Jeremy, and many great nieces and nephews.
There will be a Visitation on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, and a Funeral Service to remember Steve on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima at 11:00 a.m.
The family suggests donations be made to Special Olympics and Parkinson’s NW Foundation.
