Michael A. "Mike" Searls

Michael “Mike” A. Searls, 57, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Community Hospice-Truman House at New Philadelphia, following an 11-month period of declining health.

Born in Texas, Mike was the son of the late Dorothy Searls and was a 1984 graduate of Claymont High School. Mike was a longtime employee with Denney Plastics at New Philadelphia, where he worked as a machinist.

A lover of all sports, Mike was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Fishing, however, was his true passion. He was a longtime member of the Clendening Fishing Club and along with his son, Cody, competed in numerous Bass Fishing Tournaments at Tappan, Atwood, and Clendening Lakes.

Mike is survived by his fiancée, Angie Burton of New Philadelphia; his son, Cody Searls and his fiancée, Madison Swigert of Tuscarawas; two grandchildren, Myah and Colbie Searls; three brothers, Dale (Vicki) Mager of Utah, David (Monica) Mager of Streetsboro and Bob (Denise) Mager of Washington State; a sister, Mary (Wayne) Grosenbacher of Dennison; a special niece, Elizabeth Page; special great nieces, Abby, Heidi and Kendal Johnson; his future step-children, Derek Kreinbihl of Dover, Sonni (Ryan) Ruth of New Philadelphia and Amber (Alex) Walker of New Philadelphia; and was known as “Papa Mike” to not only Myah and Colbie, but to his future step-grandchildren, Sophie, Aspen and Blaire Ruth and Winsley Walker. Mike is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Mike’s wishes, he is to be cremated through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and a celebration of Mike’s life, by his family and his friends, will be held at a later date.