1930-2026
Howard Tallman Searles, Jr., age 95, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a brief illness.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Odessa Baptist Church, 111 Fowler Place, Odessa, NY 14869.
Howard was born in Geneva, NY, on May 19, 1930, to the late Howard and Elizabeth Searles. He graduated from Geneva High School, earned a degree in Construction Management from SUNY Delhi, and a degree in Industrial Arts Education from SUNY Oswego.
He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Marietta Knisley Searles in 2010; his brother, Fred Searles; sister, Sally Booth; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Edward MacDonald, Bruce Milne, Eugene Knisley, John Knisley, and Kathleen Blackburn.
Howard is survived by his children: Alan Searles of Odessa, NY; Carol French (Rick) of Bradford, NY, and their children Shannon (Mat) and Aaron (Megan), and grandchildren Dominik and Colton; and Mary Beth (James) Huber of Raleigh, NC, and their children Bryan and Timothy. He is also survived by his sisters Christine Milne, Dorene MacDonald, Marion (Richard) Buck, and Isabel (Jack) Mroczkowski, sister-in-law Patricia Searles, and many nieces and nephews.
Howard served in the Korean War, from May 1951 to February 1953, including 10 months in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division, 31st Regiment, Heavy Mortar Company.
He retired from Odessa Montour Central School after 25 years teaching wood shop and was a master woodworker whose work can be found in many homes throughout the area. Howard was a long-time member of the Odessa Baptist Church, serving as Trustee and Treasurer, and an active member of the Odessa Lions Club. He also served as Odessa Village Trustee from 1964–1968 and Mayor of Odessa from 1968–1974, overseeing the construction of the Village Hall, which included a community center and fire station completed in 1970.
Howard enjoyed family trips, working on jigsaw puzzles—especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—and cherished time spent with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Odessa Baptist Church, PO Box 149, Odessa, NY 14869.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY. Condolences may be shared at www.vedderscottzinger.com
