Emerson J. Searl

Emerson J. Searl, 81, a resident of Thornton Ave. a former resident of Millers Woods Road, husband of Beatrice, passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2007, after a short illness. Emerson was born in Naumberg, on July 26, 1926, a son of Oral and Louise Belknap Searl. He grew up in Deer River where he attended school. Later his family moved to Black River, and then to Boonville, where Mr. Searl graduated from Boonville High School with the Class of 1943. From 1943 until 1945, he was employed at the Rome Air Depot in engine repair. In 1946, until 1952, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, Emerson was employed in the parts department of C. Hughes Motors Ford Garage in Boonville. From 1952, until his honorable discharge in 1954, he served in the Korean Conflict, being discharged with the rank of Corporal. In 1954 he returned to his employment with C. Hughes Motors Garage, until 1968, when Mr. Cleo Hughes purchased Ryderï¿(TM)s Hardware Store on Main St. in Boonville. Mr. Searl served as manager of C. Hughes Hardware Store from 1968, until his retirement in 1991. On May 2, 1947, Emerson was united in marriage with Beatrice (Betty) Williams at the Presbyterian Manse in Boonville. He and Beatrice lived on the Millers Woods Road near Boonville, for over fifty years, moving to their present home in 2002. He was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church of Boonville, Charles J. Love Post American Legion, and Boonville Elks Lodge # 2158. He also greatly enjoyed wood working and caning chairs. In addition to his wife, Beatrice, he is survived by two nephews: Jeffery Houghton, Watertown, John Houghton, Pittsford, NY, three nieces: Donna Czajka, Glenyce VerSchneider, Candy Stine, three nephews; Ron, Don, and Kevin Dewey. He was predeceased by a sister Barbara Houghton in 1964. His Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. Chester Lippy will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164 Boonville, NY, or to the Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Boonville.