Claude Phillp Searles Ocotber 5, 1926 January 20, 2014 Claude Phillip Searles, 87, of Wells, Maine, passed away on January 20, 2014 at his home. A High Mass and a graveside funeral with military honors for friends and family will be held at a later date. Claude was born on October 5, 1926 to Jack and Ellen (Smith) Searles of Woodland, Maine. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Theresa Blanche Paradis of Biddeford with whom he shared many wonderful memories and grew their strong, loving family. A skilled carpenter by trade, he earned the nickname ""Hammer"" and worked with humor and an adored obstinacy well into his later years. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Navy as a gunner, proudly serving in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, and including the D-Day invasion of Normandy. This is an accomplishment he wore with honor and humility. His son, Michael Searles, grandson Nicholas Searles, and great-grandson Baby James Mirabito precede him in death. Claude is survived by his wife Theresa, son Daniel W. Searles of West Haven, Connecticut, son Claude P. Searles of Wells, daughter Jo-Ann D. Michaels of Wells, and son Edmond A. Searles of Middletown, Connecticut. He is also survived by brothers Donald Searles of Chelsea, Maine, Lloyd Searles of Wells, Ronald Searles of Brownsville Junction, Maine, and sisters Vivien Parker of Farmington, New Hampshire, Mona Fleming of Kennebunk, Maine, Lois Martin of El Paso, Texas, and Grace Hilton of Wells. Claude was also blessed to be the patriarch of a large family that includes 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.