Gordon Harry Searles

Gordon H. Searles, 82, of Manchester died April 16, 2010 at St. Theresa Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side following a brief illness. He was born on September 29, 1927 in Marshfield VT and was raised on a farm in Cabot VT. He was one of sixteen children born to Addie (Gotchy) and Harry Searles.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and received medals as a sharpshooter, honorable service, good conduct and the World War II victory medal.

Mr. Searles worked at the Youth Development Center for 40 years and received recognition from Gov. John Sununu for his commitment of service to the state of New Hampshire and retired in 1992.

A devoted family man, he enjoyed farming, gardening, fishing, deer hunting and was an avid cribbage player. He will be remembered for his generous nature and leaving fresh fruit or vegetables on the doorsteps of his family, friends and neighbors.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Norma Jeanne (Newton) Searles in 2002.

IN HIS LIFE: He is survived by his six children, Gordon (Tom) Searles of Dunbarton, Ernest Searles of Manchester, Stephen Searles of Manchester, Susan Graffam of Goffstown, Barbara Vaillancourt of Manchester and Rick Searles of Concord; 12 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; one great granddaughter. Gordon was fondly called brother Jack and will be sorely missed by his two brothers, Robert Searles of Barre, VT and Forest Searles of Claremont, NH and his five sisters, Marjorie Genderon of Montpelier, VT, Olive Wilson of Ryegate, VT, Donna Winchester of Amarillo, NM, Mary Norway of Concord, VT and Shirley McClay of Vergennes, VT as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were on Sunday, April 25th from 4 to 8 PM in the McHugh Funeral Home, 483 Beech St., corner of Hanover St. A funeral service was held Monday at 10 AM in the Grace Church, 106 Lowell St., Manchester. Burial with full military honors followed in the Franklin Cemetery, Franklin NH. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of Manchester, 33 South Commercial St., Suite 401, Manchester NH 03101.