Washington Times-Herald
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Philip Dennis Searl, 65, formerly of Loogootee, passed away Friday. He was born Jan. 1, 1947, in Martin County. He lived most of his life in Loogootee and was a resident up until the last few years. Phil attended and graduated from St. John’s Catholic School. He was a veteran, having served in the Navy Seabees who often fended off enemy forces alongside Marine and Army counterparts, helped build schools, medical units and infrastructure during the Vietnam War. Phil was a carpenter and loved working with wood. He worked at several furniture businesses in Jasper and Huntingburg. He alway enjoyed sharing good food with friends and family, and was never shy to tell you exactly what he thought. Surviving Phil are his five children: Eric Searl (Melissa Mobley), Jennifer Searl, Patrick Searl (Josu Crabtree), Angela Olson (Troy Olson), and Rebecca Mehnert (Justin Mehnert); his brothers William, Michael, Charles (Debra), Tom, Leo (Debra), Steve (Alana), Ed (Cathy); his sisters Rosanne Lytle (David), and Mary McLaughlin (Rick); 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roberts Searl; mother, Mary O’Neal Searl; brother, James Searl; and granddaughter Isabella Trivelpiece. A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home, Loogootee. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, Loogootee. Flowers or donations may be made to American Cancer Society or Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home.
