1917 - 2010
Elmer Lee Searle, 92, of Payson, Ariz. died Sept. 19, 2010 in Payson. He was born Nov. 11, 1917 in Toole, Utah to Asa Lyman Searle and Eleanor Amanda Peasnall Searle, and grew up there.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1937 until his retirement as a major in 1961. After leaving the military, he continued serving his country through civil service.
He married the love of his life, Martha Ellen Kennedy Searle, on Feb. 15, 1941 and was a devoted husband for nearly 70 years until his death.
Elmer was stationed in Puerto Rico, Panama and Korea, and then in Japan with his wife and two daughters. He and Martha also traveled to Ireland and Egypt, as well as living in or traveling to virtually all the 50 United States.
He was an expert bridge player and a joyful dancer, teaching his wife to dance early in their marriage and square dancing with her for many years. After moving to Payson in the late 1970's, he was active in the community as a friend of the library, by providing tax assistance to the elderly, and in the Payson United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Martha; his daughter Mary Ellen Searle Theisen; two brothers, Gilbert and Ronald; four grandchildren, Dianna Lauri Smith, Sherri Lee Smith Cowhig, John Eric Theisen, and Debra Addae; and eight great-grandchildren. His daughter Judith Lee Searle Smith and great-grandchild Ashley Theisen preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on Sunday, September 26 at 3 p.m. at the Payson United Methodist Church, 414 N. Easy St. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church.
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