Obituary of Wayne C. Searles

Butch (Wayne) Searles, 70, of Mecklenburg, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2017. He was born in Enfield on March 25, 1947. Butch is survived by his daughter, Tina Marie (Joel) Beckman of Lodi; two sons, Chip (Michelle) Searles of Mecklenburg, and Todd (Sarah) Searles of Trumansburg; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Stevenson, Nathan Stevenson, Logan Searles, Trevor Searles, Hailie Searles, Hannah Brennan and Olivia Searles. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Betsy Searles. Butch's passion was his wife, Betsy, his grandchildren, children, farming, hunting and his livestock. He was a dedicated steward of the land passing these principals onto his family and friends. Butch spent many years teaching and mentoring young adults in hunter safety and various shooting disciplines. Along with his immediate family, he leaves a wide circle of friends that became an important part of him and his everyday life. Always willing to stop and help a neighbor, friend or stranger, he will be remembered for his generous, caring, and humorous spirit. So as we say goodbye to the man with the beard and big gun, please join his family for calling hours on Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5-7 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. A celebration of the lives of Butch and Betsy Searles will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the home of Chip and Michelle Searles, 5920 Culver Rd., Alpine, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Betsy Searles Art Scholarship and sent to Trumansburg Central School District, Att: Treasurer, 100 Whig St., Trumansburg, NY 14886, or to a Wildlife Conservation Group of your choice.