Milton Jones Searles
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Milton Jones Searles, 78, of East Fallowfield, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, in Paoli, PA.
Milton was born February 5, 1943 in Ercildoun, Pennsylvania to parents Hubert Searles and Lucy Jones Searles and raised alongside older brother Hubert (Bradley).
Milton was above all else a loving family man and loyal friend. During the European travel adventures of his youth, he met the love of his life, Theodora Horstink, during a chance encounter at a train station in Basel, Switzerland. After an international courtship consisting of many letters and postcards, Milton and Thea married on July 6, 1973 in the Netherlands, her home country. In their 48 years of marriage, they raised two sons, Mikael and Niklas. He will be lovingly remembered for his dedication to education, his passion for bicycling, his love of the great outdoors, and his enjoyment of gardening and orchardry. Milton maintained a loving home that was open to friends and strangers alike.
After graduating from West Chester University, Milton began his career in education at his alma mater Coatesville High School in 1964. Over the next 40 years in the district, he taught Spanish to countless students. After a brief “retirement” in 2004, he continued his education career at the college level, becoming a Spanish professor at Montgomery County Community College and Delaware County Community College for an additional 16 years.
Milton’s passion for education extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. Beginning in 1982, he began teaching Spanish at Chester County Adult Night School in West Chester, enthusiastically bringing his love of language to working adults. Milton also taught English as a Second Language classes in Coatesville, helping local non-native speakers learn English. He used this as an opportunity to help immigrants assimilate to the community in any way he could.
Milton was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Coatesville, which he regularly attended. He provided leadership as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 117, helping both of his sons and many other scouts work their way to achieving the Eagle Scout rank.
Milton was an avid cyclist and spent much of his time enjoying the many bike trails and backroads in the area. Along with many of his close friends, he frequently participated in the annual City to Shore ride from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey to benefit multiple sclerosis research. Milton also enjoyed touring local lakes and creeks in his kayak and local byways on his motorcycle.
Milton is survived by his wife Thea, his son Mikael, and son Niklas and his wife Julia. He will be missed deeply and loved by all those who had the privilege to know him. It is the hope of the Searles family that his memory, much like his life, be full of great company and heartfelt laughter.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 21st, 2022 at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 107 S. 17th Avenue, Coatesville, PA. Relatives and friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 AM. For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/luthgoodshep.
We are in the process of starting a scholarship to honor Milton’s 40 years as a teacher in the Coatesville School District. In the next couple of weeks, we will be reaching out to his friends, former students, co-workers, and family to solicit donations to honor his legacy. We hope you will support his work and his name by contributing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
From Jim and Elsa Taylor:
From Jim and Elsa Taylor:
Elsa and I are sorry to hear of Milt’s passing. We thought highly of him as a teacher and as a friend. His calm demeanor and clear dedication to education reminded us to always work persistently and kindly. His cycling, scouting, and motorcycling were obviously important parts of a very good man. We wish his family peace.
Another Favorite Cousin
Our maternal grandmothers were sisters, our mothers as close as sisters; and due to busy schedules, if only by text, Milt and I kept in touch. I even had Milt as my 10th grade Spanish teacher at Scott. To prevent suspicion that I was given good grades only because we were related, we chose not to reveal until the end of the year (LOL)! As I still miss Brad's contagious laugh, I will miss Milt's contagious smile. The last time we were ALL together for a fun time was Nik and Julia's wedding. I am glad I got to see Milt one more time this past Christmas Eve. Needless to say, our hearts are broken, and Arthur and I continue to send love and prayers to Thea, Mikael, Niklas, Julia and all our family and friends. Hasta luego, Senor Searles!
Condolences from Troop 117
On behalf of all the members of BSA Troop 117, past and present, we offer our sincere condolences to Thea, Mikael and Niklas. Milt will be remembered as a kind and gentle Scout Leader. His humor was always there to make us laugh, no matter how cold or wet it was during a camping trip.
Yours in Scouting
BSA Troop 117
Chuck Coxson Committee Chairman
Sending Prayers
🙏🏿🙏🏿
Rest In Peace
Condolences to your Family Mr. searles! I am so thankful for you as my drivers ed instructor .. One of my favorite teachers from Coatesville. So sorry for your Loss!
Searles ...
Searles ...
Condoleances to Milton Searles
My condolences Thea, Mikael and Niklas with this loss.
When I think of Milton, I initially remember that I -as a Dutch speaking child living in the Netherlands – thought it was so cool that I had an uncle living in America. I often bragged about that. But when I think of Milton himself, I think of a sweet, warm and interested uncle. This interest in others was also apparent from the fact that Milton learned to speak Dutch, so that he could have conversations with me and my nephews and nieces as Dutch speaking children.
I also think of that good time where Milton took me and my brother Jorn on a camping trip to a National Park and we made marshmallows over the fire with Mikael and Niklas. How American can it be for us? Perhaps then the seed was planted also by me for the great outdoor. I and my brother Jorn go since then camping together in the nature. Milton, when Jorn and I go on our next camping trip, we'll roast a marshmallow over the fire…
We keep remembering Milton en keep on thinking of him with much love and admiration.
Thea, Mikael and Niklas, we wish you a lot of strength and although we live far away from you we are close to you in our hearts.
Peter Droog (son of Erny Horstink, sister of Thea) and Kristel van Gansewinkel, the Netherlands
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Gecondoleerd Thea, Mikael en Niklas met dit verlies.
Als ik denk aan Milton herinner ik me in eerste instantie dat ik het als Nederlands kind zo gaaf vond dat ik een oom in Amerika had wonen. Daar schepte ik dan ook vaak over op. Maar als ik aan Milton zelf denk dan denk ik vooral aan een lieve, warme en geïnteresseerde oom. Die interesse in anderen bleek ook uit het feit dat Milton erg goed Nederlands sprak, want zo kon hij met mij als Nederlands sprekend kind gesprekken voeren.
Ook denk ik aan die fijne tijd waar Milton mij en mijn broer Jorn mee heeft genomen op kampeer trip naar een National Park en we samen met Mikael en Niklas marshmallows boven het vuur maakten. Hoe Amerikaans wil je het hebben! Wellicht dat toen het zaadje bij mij en mijn broer Jorn geplant is en we sindsdien nog steeds met enige regelmaat samen de wildernis intrekken om te kamperen in de natuur. Milton, de volgende keer dat Jorn en ik weer op kampeertrip gaan roosteren we een marshmallow boven het vuur!
We blijven aan Milton denken met veel liefde en bewondering.
En Thea, Mikael en Niklas, wij wensen jullie veel kracht toe en hoewel wij ver van jullie af wonen denken we aan jullie.
Peter Droog (zoon van Erny Horstink, zus van Thea) en Kristel van Gansewinkel
I was lucky enough to have Mr
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Searles as my Spanish teacher in 10th grade! I ran into him at a restaurant a few years back...MANY years since 10 grade, but you'd think we just saw each other recently, not 53 years ago! I will always remember him as a great teacher, and a kind and gently man! Vaya con Dios, Senor Searles!
A good man
I am very sad to learn of Mr. Searles passing.I had him for Spanish class and learned the language.When encountering him in future years, he always had a smile or a humorous remark.RIP my friend.
Mr. Searles
Dear Thea, Mikael, and Niklas: I hope your many memories give you strength during the days and weeks ahead. Milt touched so many lives in so many ways for his whole life. Anyone who met him was better for having met Milt. Although I never had Mr. Searles for Spanish, our family first got to know him because he was friends with my cousin who was a college friend. Then my sister was hospitalized in 1971 for an unknown infection that affected her brain. Her recovery was long and arduous. Mr. Searles had been her 10th Spanish teacher and once she came home from the hospital, he was a frequent presence in our house, as he helped her catch up. His kindness, and compassion has had a life long impact on me. His legacy as many people have already said is the example he set for all of us to what a good human is. May the piece of himself he left in each of us be the impetus to carry on where he left off.
Condolences
To Thea and family, Jeff and I extend our deepest sympathy. Milt was a colleague and a friend for whom I had enormous respect. We spent time socially with him during my teaching years. Although we lost touch over time and retirement, we reminisced about our fun times together and always had fond memories of him. It is our hope that loving memories and the support of family and friends will help to sustain the entire Searles family during this sad time.
Our prayers are with you. Love, JoAnn and Jeff Fravel
My deepest sympathy
I'm so sorry to hear of this. He will definitely be missed. Senor Searles was always so patient, kind & it was evident he truly cared. I had him at my Spanish teacher many years ago, but I've never forgot how wonderful he was with us all. Sending his family my deepest sympathy, thoughts & prayers. Gracious Senor Searles 🙏
Treasured husband, father,
Treasured husband, father, friend, teacher and great loss for Thea, Mikael, Niklas, Julia and so many others. My heartfelt condolences to all Milt’s loved ones. RIP Milton.
Ian and Hanny Australia
Vaya con Dios, Cousin!
Rest in Peace, Cousin Milton; I remember you well, as a gentleman, scholar, and fellow educator! Vaya con Dios, mi Hermanos! Hasta que nos volvamos a encountrar!
I had the pleasure of
I had the pleasure of attending the night school Spanish lessons with Mr. Searles. He was truly one of the all around best I have ever met! He made learning fun, and had a laugh that I can still hear all these years later. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, and all the people he left an impression on. RIP 💕
Condolences
To the family sorry to hear of the passing of your love one. Attending the same church out of respect it’s my responsibility to express the love of Jesus. Rest in heavenly peace.
Sending my deepest
Sending my deepest condolences to the Searles family. Mikael, your dad was one of the nicest customers I ever had the privilege to serve when I worked at the pharmacy. Sending you my love and support.
So sad to hear of your loss.
So sad to hear of your loss. My daughter Christine had him for Spanish and loved him. We are here if you need anything.
Señor Searles
Señor Searles will be greatly missed. I had The pleasure of having him for Spanish classes at CASH many moons ago. He was the reason i pursued Spanish in college and enjoyed many years volunteering in ESL program. His love and compassion for others was always evident Through sincere concern and conversation. I was So excited to run into him a few years back after a long time no see! It was great to catch up on several occasions recently and will miss those conversations. He always had a way of making you feel special!
Dios Te Bendiga!
Condolences
Janine and I are sorry to hear of Milt’s passing. We offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
Condolences
,Sincere Condolences to Thea, Mikael, and Niklas, My prayers are with you. Our world has lost a wonderful man.
Smiles everyone!
As a teacher, his compassion and humor helped so many students through whatever subject matter that was on the board that day. As a scout leader, his love of the outdoors and our youth was ever present at our meetings and outings. The families of the scouts would enjoy playing 'Where's Waldo' at the annual banquets as he put on a wonderful slideshow of the years events. His smile and love of life and all that comes with was one of the best contagions I have ever come across. Bless us all for having Milt in our memories.
Barb
The Bradley/Searles Family Reunion Committee
To The Milton Searles Family
The Bradley/Searles Family Reunion Committee would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Searles Family on the passing of Milton Searles a loving family man and our beloved cousin.
We were graced with his warm presence when he attended family reunion gatherings throughout the years.
Although reserved, he was an expert at listening and would share conversations with many cousins in a wonderful reminiscing atmosphere.
We believe that this ingredient of bonding is that which makes our family strong.
We pray for peace and strength as you continue forward.
Our Sincere Sympathy and Love,
The Bradley/Searles Family Reunion Committee
Thank You, Sr. Searles
Sr. Milton Searles was a gift to the world. He was bathed in an aura of positivity and kindness and just radiated everything good. The mere mention of his name brings a smile to the face of anyone who has ever spent even a brief moment with him. He is an institution of Coatesville High School, one of those teachers that has been talked about and remembered fondly for decades. And I'm sure the effects of his presence and lifelong work will live on forever in this community.
Like many, I am a grateful student. Sr. Searles was a high-school classmate of my uncle and taught my mother, my sister, and I in Spanish class at CASH. He instilled an appreciation of language and Spanish/Latino culture that still lives on over 20 years later. I would often chat with him before or after class, and we would discuss music and nuances in language and culture. He spoke very quickly and I would do my best to pick up every pearl of wisdom he dropped. He even made me a tape of Spanish-language music he thought I'd like. He even noted the country of origin next to each track. I still have it!
Over 20 years later, I use many of the things Sr. Searles has taught me as I speak to my friends' children who are being raised in multilingual households, and as an editor of reading/language arts curriculum, I work closely with the Spanish-language team to achieve language parity in our Spanish and SIFE materials. In some small way, I've thought of this as sort of continuing some of his work and the appreciation that he instilled in me.
Sr. Searles' well-lived life, passion, kindness, generosity, positivity, and appreciation of language and culture are all part of his immense legacy and serve as one of the finest examples of how to live your life. He was a grade-a human being, and I feel blessed for having known him.
For now, I'm going to listen to this tape (I included a picture in case anyone would like to investigate some of the songs) and take comfort in my wonderful memories of this great man. I will continue to follow his example as best I can in my own life. May he rest in power.
I offer my condolences to the family and to the entire Coatesville community, and I offer my thanks to Sr. Searles for the many gifts and to God for the gift of Sr. Searles.
With love and appreciation,
David Romanosky
Milton was a very unique
Milton was a very unique person. His wide travel experience as well as his love of people, I think, resulted in him being such an easy person to gravitate to. He had a selfless desire to share with people all that he knew. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. I can only imagine how much better our society would be be if we had more people like Milton! Sadly missed but will never be forgotten.
--Romulus Jones
Prayers for your family
I met Milt at the Tolbert home in Coatesville. I know he had an impact on Jeff and Dave during their youth and can only guess at how many students' were changed during his 40 years of teaching.
Cousin Thea and Family i am
Cousin Thea and Family i am praying for GODS LOVING HAND during this period and thank him for such a loving cousin(s)as Milton was im going to always remember him and Bradley my whole life Milton could write a book about me and my shenanigans!!GOD BLESS
From Rene, Michael & Donna
Condolences to Thea, Mikael & Niklas
Rene, Michael and I are so very sorry to hear of Milt's passing. He was truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most generous men that I know. We have had many laughs together and have missed way too many. May his soul rest in God's Hands and his love be lasting in your hearts.
Condolences
Classmate,neighbor,good guy.
Milton Searles
From David Diana Victoria and Nicholas Parkes.
Milt's New Zealand Whanau (family by Thea)
We were all deeply saddened to hear of Milt's passing.
Our heartfelt condolences to Thea, Mikael, Niklas and Julia.
A huge loss to his much loved family and all who knew him.
Our collective family memories of Milt are of a man with a warm welcoming smile, his kindness and such welcoming gracious hospitality.
His vast knowledge of American history, his intellect and outstanding ability with languages was extraordinary.
His absolute joy of teaching was reflected when he spoke with us on local historical places and when he took us to Valley Forge, it was quite an education.
He was so generous with his time with us all and many hours were spent having conversations with him. He was a man of strong quiet presence. It was so special to be in his company and he made time with us all.
We only met him a few time on family visits but he made such a strong impression on us all and we just loved him.
He was such a caring man and he will be deeply missed.
He was a man of great mana" and despite all his outstanding achievements he was a man of great humility.
NZ Maori quote for a person of great mana.
"Me he toka tu moana"
Your quiet strength is like a rock standing in the ocean".
Haere Ra Milt. Haere Ra.
Farewell Milt. Our memories of you will remain in our hearts always.
Dave, Di, Victoria and Nick.
Milton Searles
Our family sends you our deepest sympathy. Milton was someone special for so many reasons. He gave his time and affection freely to anyone in need. The Spanish speaking population of Coatesville and Chester county lost a great advocate and teacher. He was a role model for us all on what it means to be Christian. He will be missed by so many. Milton was fun to be around. He did so much good, but didn't take himself too seriously. He was just such a special person. Our prayers and love are with you at this sad time.
Milton Searles
Dear Thea, Mikael & Niklas, On behalf of the Spotts family we offer our prayers and celebrate the life & legacy of Milton Searles. An incredible human being whose Smile lit up every space he entered. Indeed a beloved person to all who knew and experienced his energy and enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest. I was blessed to have him as a Spanish teacher. My entire family was blessed to know him through scouting adventures and celebrations of youth achievements in scouting. Truly a mentor, encourager and family man who cherished each person he met on this journey of life. Blessings of Peace & Hope, Sue Spotts
For a wonderful man and his family
My heart was broken when I heard about Milte’s passing. My prayers to Thea, Mikael and Niklas for strength, faith, peace, and healing.
I met Milte and his family through my late husband Bill, Scouting, and Church. Good warm hearted man. When he smiled, we smiled!
Heaven has a number of friends to greet him. May he Rest In Peace. He will be missed😢
My heart was broken when I
My heart was broken when I heard about Milte’s passing. My prayers to Thea, Mikael and Niklas for strength, faith, peace, and healing.
I met Milte and his family through my late husband Bill, Scouting, and Church. Good warm hearted man. When he smiled, we smiled!
Heaven has a number of friends to greet him. May he Rest In Peace. He will be missed😢
I was saddened to learn of
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Searles. He is one of the teachers that you still remember and recall so fondly 40+ years later. He was such a kind person, you never saw him in the classroom without a positive attitude or not encouraging his students. One of the most significant things about Milton was that he never forgot his students. He used to see my Father quite frequently and always asked for me by name which I found amazing. God Bless you Mr. Searles, you won't be forgotten
You will be missed
Sending sympathy and prayers to the Searles family. Senor Searles was one of the kindest teachers I ever had. My children were fortunate to also experience Senor Searles as their teacher. As others have mentioned, it was always such a happy time when you saw Senor Searles. He remembered his students and was genuinely happy to see them and catch up. What a wonderful educator! He enjoyed life and spread that joy to all he knew. We are blessed to have known him.