John Searles

DARMSTADT, Ill. -- John W. Searles, 83, of Darmstadt died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at his home.

He was born June 13, 1927, in Liberal, Mo., to Harvey and Bessie Adams Searles. He and Dolores Clubb Hinton were married May 10, 1972, in Bonne Terre, Mo.

Searles served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He had worked at Chrysler truck plant many years, rising to the position of general foreman. He retired in 1980. He graduated from Liberal High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University, Meramec Valley College and Belleville Area College.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores of Darmstadt; two sons, Anthony Gary Russell Hinton of Belleville, Ill., and Scott Andrew Ray Hinton; three granddaughters, Michelle Hinton of Belleville, Madysin Hinton of Boston, Mass., and his best buddy, Jillian Marie Hinton of Belleville; a grandson, Aydin Hinton of Boston; a great-grandson, Jax Tyler Hinton of Belleville; his twin brother, Jess G. Searles of Iantha, Mo.; a sister, Mary Ann Therkelson of Bentonville, Ark; friends Bruce (Deloris) Clubb of Thebes, Ill., special friend, Susan Hinton of Belleville; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Zora Lou Fast and Margaret Davis; four brothers, Isaac, Owen, James and Harry Searles; and best friend, Russell Clubb Sr.

Visitation will be from noon to service time Friday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bruce Clubb officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.

Memorials may be made to Madison County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.