Roy Searls

Our beloved Roy L. Searls, of Atwood, finished his race and heard, “well done good and faithful servant” on February 7, 2023, at the age of 96 years, 6 months and 23 days.

Roy was born to parents Daniel and Emma Searls on July 15, 1926. Early on in life, Roy faced many significant losses. By the age of 14, Roy had lost both his mother and his father. Six weeks into his senior year in high school, Roy was drafted into the United States Navy where he served during WWII.

On February 3, 1945, Roy married his high school sweetheart, Betty “Jeane” Howard. Roy and Jeane celebrated 78 years of marriage and had four wonderful children—Carol Ann, Daniel, Debby, and Kenneth.

For 40 years, Roy worked for AT&T in Atwood. Roy was an active member of the Masonic Lodge since 1951 and served as a Worthy Patron in Eastern Star. He was also an active and faithful member of the United Methodist Church. While he was still able, Roy could be found golfing, building something in his workshop, drinking coffee with friends, or serving in the community with Jeane by his side.

Roy pursued people. His kindness, steadfastness, compassion, and servant’s heart impacted just about anyone that knew him. If you know Roy, you probably have a cabinet, bread box, crib, bookcase, or some other wooden treasure made by his hands. He welcomed all and loved freely. He will be missed, but we rest in the hope that there are things death cannot touch.

Roy Searls was preceded in death by daughter, Carol Ann Heim; son, Kenneth Searls; and son-in-law, John Sandoval. Roy is survived by wife, Jeane Searls of Atwood, KS; daughter, Debby Sandoval of Wichita, KS; son, Daniel Searls and wife Renee of Ponca City, OK; Tammy Searls Haldeman of Quinter, KS; grandson Tim Laurent and wife Debbie of Lawrence, KS; granddaughter, Sharie Laurent of Wichita, KS; grandson, Chris Searls and wife Michele of Spring Hill, KS; grandson Jacob Searls and wife Holly of Olathe, KS; grandson, Brandon Searls and wife Janet of Wichita, KS; granddaughter Angela Johnson of Hays, KS; grandson Justin Barrett and wife Janelle of Colby, Kansas; great-granddaughter, Kelley Weir and husband Joey of Farmington, NM; great-granddaughter Keri Searls of Las Cruces, NM; great-grandson Kameron Demby of Lawrence, KS; great-granddaughter Whitney Randolf and husband Preston of Denver, CO; great-granddaughter Macie Laurent of Lawrence, KS; great-granddaughters, Grace, Hayley and Addison Searls of Olathe, KS; great-grandson, Ethan Searls of Olathe, KS; great-great-grandchildren Jaycee and Braxton of Farmington, NM; great-great-grandchildren Georgia and Charlotte of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren Chloe, Justice, Brayden, and Lauden of Colby, KS.

A celebration of Roy’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Atwood United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the HaysMed Hospice and Palliative Care Unit and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com