William H. Searles

Bill Searles, age 88, of Sylvania, passed away April 6, 2014 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Peking China on Dec. 25, 1925 to Clair and Elizabeth Searles, where Bills father was an educational missionary and director of the Hui Wen School in Peking. The family returned to Toledo in 1927 where Bill completed public school. Bill met Joan Hickenlooper as a freshman at University of Toledo, the beginning of a loving 68 year marriage. He served in the US Naval Reserve 1943-46. Following discharge he obtained his MBA at Harvard Business School. Bill had a varied employment history over his long career, beginning with Owens Illinois Glass Co Kaylo Division as an industrial engineer in 1948. He moved his family to Louisville, KY in 1952 to take a position with Reynolds Metals Co. While in Louisville he and Joan designed and built a home, with Bill overseeing its construction. He returned to Toledo in 1958 to serve as Secretary & Treasurer for Bunting Brass and Bronze Co. While living in Sylvania during this time he and his family became active in the United Church of Christ. He became interested in church administration and his next position, which entailed moving the family to White Plains, NY, was as assistant treasurer for the United Church Board for World Ministries. His focus was on unifying the records and studying staffing needs resulting from the merger of the Congregational and E&R churches. Bill enjoyed some international travel through this job, visiting church sites in Turkey and Syria. In 1969 Bill returned to private industry, taking a position with Champion Spark Plug, which led to a variety of positions with the DeVilbiss Co. 1970-1986, including Director of US operations, Manufacturing Plants and Distribution Centers for Sears. Following his formal retirement in 1986 he did consulting for the Dura Corporation for a year, then co-founded Associated Technical Consultants, which developed a high speed glass melter that could be used to encapsulate toxic materials in glass. Bill Searles interest in the larger world was expressed in many ways. He and Joan hosted foreign students and travelers from all over the world, some of whom they visited in their own travels abroad. He participated in SCORE, helping people wanting to start a business. He was also active in the Torch Club, chairing their international conference in 1999 and publishing papers on globalization. Bill believed strongly in the democratic process and worked for liberal candidates and voter registration efforts. He supported organizations that protected the environment, helped those in developing nations, and promoted social justice. Locally he enjoyed participating in the Mens Interfaith Council and in his mens breakfast group. He and Joan were active members of the Unitarian Universalist church, which matched their liberal interfaith outlook. They enjoyed travel, particularly in their retirement years, visiting their farflung children and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his five children, sons John and Jim Ailie, and daughters Susan, Ann Rockway Rich Kalman and Laura Samir Dayal. The four grandchildren are Deven and Mira Dayal and Sophie and Justin Searles. A memorial tribute to Bills life, for all who have enjoyed his many contributions to community life and friendship, will be held at the First Unitarian Church, 3205 Glendale Ave, on Saturday, May 31 at 2 pm. Tributes can be posted at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Bills name may select the charity of their choice. The family thanks those extending their support and good wishes.