Obituary of Ed Searl

Edward J. Searl, age 71 of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away on July 28, 2019, at Phoenixville Hospital. Born in Chester, PA, and raised in Wilmington, DE, he resided for the past 6 years in the Chadds Ford and Wilmington area and previously resided in LaGrange, IL, for 30 years. Ed was a Unitarian Universalist minister, where he served his first 5 years at the Unitarian Church of Youngstown in Ohio and then 30 years at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale in Illinois. Ed held various degrees, receiving his BA from the University of Delaware, his MA from University of Vermont, and his M.Th. from McGill University of Montreal, Quebec. He was a member of various ministry clubs and the Authors Guild. He was an author and poet, writing and publishing 17 books. Ed marveled at nature, held a strong reverence for life, had a passion for adventure, and loved the arts. His compassion, gentle soul, and depth of spirit touched many lives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Mary Walter Searl and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ellie Volckmann Searl, daughter, Katie (Mike) Bodnar, brother, Clint (Natalie) Searl and 2 grandchildren, Brett and Bridget. A memorial service will be held this fall at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, IL. Donations in Ed's memory may be made to the Edward Searl Memorial Fund at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 West Maple St. Hinsdale, IL 60521.