Leon Dwight Searles

     Leon Dwight Searles, age 77, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, August 7, 2023, at Oliver Woods Retirement Village, Owosso, MI.

     Private services were held and burial took place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.

     Leon was born in St. Johns, Michigan on July 10, 1946, the son of Willard and Lillian (Brown) Searles.  He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson.  Leon married Ann (Purtill) Smith on November 26, 2010, in Arizona.

     Leon worked alongside his dad and brothers for many years in their family construction business.  Leon was the owner of Searles Construction for forty years.  He loved being up north at his cabin spending time with family and friends.  He enjoyed elk, deer and bear hunting and he was an elk guide up north.  Leon was a member of the Mule Deer Foundation & the Elk Foundation.  He was always a big supporter of the Clinton County 4-H. 

     He is survived by his wife Ann Searles; his children: Debbie Skriba, Michael Searles, Brian (Bonnie) Searles, and Kristi Swanchara; his step-children: Stacey (Jonathan) Strayhorn, and Garrett (Ari) Smith; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters: Sharon (Gary) Conklin, Joyce Weinley, and Cindy Geller; brothers and sisters-in-law: Robbin Clandenning, Patrick (Ellen) Purtill, Michael (Cruz) Purtill, Michelle (Paul) Murray, and Scott (Deanne) Purtill; and father and mother-in-law Robert and Patricia Purtill.  He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Lillian Searles, siblings: Bill Searles, Randy Searles, step-sister Sandy Washburn and brothers-in-law: Joe Geller and Gary Weinley.

     Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and Clinton County 4-H. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.