Kenneth Leroy Searles

KENNETH LEROY “KENNY” SEARLES

GRAFTON - Kenneth Leroy Searles, 82, passed away peacefully at 7:39 a.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at his home in Grafton, with his daughters at his side. 

He was born on August 31, 1943 in Alton, Illinois, one of four children born to the late Milton Eugene and Viola (Saathoff) Searles. Kenny grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for simple, meaningful things like a good song on the radio, a loyal dog, and the beauty of the nature that surrounded him. 

Following his graduation from Alton High School in 1961, Kenny enlisted with the United States Army, proudly serving his country with honor. His service instilled in him a sense of discipline, loyalty, and pride that stayed with him throughout his life.

Upon returning home, Kenny began working at Owens-Illinois Glass Manufacturing, where a chance encounter would forever change his life. There, he met a young woman named Agnes L. Shaw, the love of his life. They were married on September 21, 1968 at the First Assembly of God in Jerseyville, and together they built a marriage rooted in faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion.

The early years of their marriage were spent in Alton, before they settled in Grafton to raise their two daughters, Pamela and Mindy. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, music, and love. They took their vows to heart - “in sickness and in health” - and Kenny embodied those words when Agnes suffered a stroke. His steadfast care for her was a living example of what true love looks like. He tended to her every need, not out of obligation, but out of genuine devotion and love. 

Kenny was a man of quiet joys and big passions. He loved bird and eagle watching, finding peace in the simple rhythm of nature. He was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan and could often be found tuned into a game, cheering as though he were right there in Busch Stadium. His love for music, especially the classic twang of Buck Owens and the heartfelt storytelling of Hank Williams, Sr., was a constant soundtrack to his life.

He also had a deep appreciation for cars, proudly owning and restoring his beloved GTO, which he bought new and cared for over the years with pride and precision. And like many who knew the gift of loyal companionship, Kenny shared his years with his dog, Bojo, and his cat, Luke, who was faithfully by his side during his final moments.

He is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Pamela and Chris Ware of Jerseyville and Mindy and Tommy Sutton of Grafton; two grandchildren, Nichole Poppek of Elsah and Brady Ware, currently stationed in California with the United States Army; two great-grandchildren, Una Faye and Hunter; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Lois Searles of Grand Haven, Michigan; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Patty and Robert Scoggins of Godfrey and Judy Braden of Delavan; as well as a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Connie and Donald Griesemer of Fieldon.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Agnes, he was preceded in death by two angel grandchildren, Christian Lee and Ezekiel Dante Sutton; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul Edward and Mary Helen Shaw; a brother-in-law, Jere Braden; a niece, Sheryl Johnson and a nephew, Lonnie Scoggins.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home, where his family will share stories and celebrate a life well lived. Burial will follow at Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton, where the Grafton American Legion will conduct full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Treehouse Wildlife Center, in care of the funeral home.

Kenny’s life was one marked by loyalty - to his country, his wife, his family, and the values that defined him. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, steadfast love, and a reminder that true devotion isn’t loud, it’s lived.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com 

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