Paul Nelson Searles

Swanton-  Paul Nelson Peake Searles, 52, lost his battle with cancer on April 20, 2019 at his childhood home in Barre Town surrounded by his loved ones.  He was a kind, caring, generous and hard working man and very devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  Family rallied around him and enjoyed his one line zingers and sense of humor.  Bailey, Rusty, and Molly did their  part by lying next to Paul and giving him comfort that only dogs can do during final days.  The morning of Paul’s passing the dogs wouldn’t leave Lisa’s side.

    Paul was born in Barre, VT on Oct. 24th, 1966.  He was the son of Edwin Peake and Mary (Benoit, Peake) Searles.  Paul attended Spaulding High School in Barre, VT and graduated with the class of 1985.

    Paul was a dairy farmer for over 25 years.  He worked at Ben and Jerry’s in St. Albans in production.  On July 25, 1987 Paul married his wife Lisa (Lemay) Searles.  They settled in Swanton, VT where they raised their family.  

    In his younger years he loved to bowl, at 9 years old he bowled a 250.  Paul was a member of the Whistling Arrow Archery Club.  Among his other interests were playing horseshoes at the family reunions.  He also loved hunting in Cabot on his brother Bobby’s property but most of all fishing with his grandchildren Devin and Kaylee every chance he could.  It didn’t matter if anything was caught, since family got to spend time together with nature.  

    Paul leaves behind his loving wife Lisa (Lemay) Searles, daughters Denise and Tonya Searles along with his two grandchildren Devin and Kaylee, all of Swanton.  His father Edwin Peake and step-mother Sandy Peake.  His mother Mary (Benoit, Peake) Searles, sisters: Mary Manolakis and husband George of Grandby, Conn,  Sherry Leblanc and husband Bob of Barre, Tina Dindo and husband Mike of S.Barre, Chrissy Searles and partner Annette of Barre Town, Karen Peake of Greensville, S.C., Brothers: Dennis Searles and wife Eve of Cabot, Bobby Searles and wife Stephany of Cabot, Jason Searles and wife Candice of Grass Valley, CA, Kevin Peake and wife Louise of Williamstown, Timothy Peake and wife Shawna of Barre as well as  many nieces and nephews and in-laws.  

    He was predeceased by a brother Eddy (Peake) Searles, Dad Robert Searles, and his Grandparents Paul and Rita Benoit.

    Special thanks to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate and caring staff ensuring Paul received what he needed.  

    Arrangements are under the care of des Groseilliers Funeral home, Hardwick VT.  Thank you to Doug and Nicole.

    A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019, 11-3pm @ 440 Farwell St., Barre, VT.   Any memorials or donations can be made to the Beth Hemenway Memorial Poker Ride to benefit Paul Searles family.  Make checks payable to: Bikers for Beth /Shelly Bressette, 1660 Cemetery St., East Brookfield, VT 05036

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