ALBERT S. “HONKY TONK” SEARLES
CARIBOU

Caribou – Albert S. “Honky Tonk” Searles, 67, husband of Martina (McQuade) Searles, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning October 8, 2014 at his Caribou home with his wife by his side. He was born March 9, 1947 in Caribou, the son of Stillman A. and Kathleen M. (Michaud) Searles.

A lifelong resident of Caribou, Al attended local schools and had been a well known trucker with the handle “Honky Tonk” for close to 50 years. His legendary music accomplishments spanned close to six decades, starting at the age of 12 when his mother would take him to play guitar and sing at local venues. He started singing and playing guitar with the group the “Stardusters” as an early teen and then became a member of the musical group the “Buckineers”, playing many area appearances in the 1960’s and 70’s. He later performed in the “Honky Tonks”, once again entertaining the folks of Aroostook County. His last performance was at the 2014 Fort Fairfield Potato Blossom Festival. In addition to his wonderful singing voice and guitar playing, Al was also proficient in playing the drums and organ, always by ear. Mr. Searles was truly a trucking and music legend both far and wide. He knew everyone, and everyone he met instantly became a friend. He will be missed by everyone in the area music community and trucking industry as well.

Al was predeceased by his father, Stillman A. Searles; one brother, Elwood Searles; one son Michael Hammond; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lawrence and Jean McQuade; sister-in-law, Velma Gregory. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Martina of Caribou; his mother, Kathleen M. Searles of Caribou; five sons, Rick Searles and his wife Lynn of Sanbornville, NH, Terry Searles of Rockledge, FL, Larry Joe Searles and his wife Julie of Green Castle, PA, Troy Hammond and his companion Renee` of Panama City, FL, Ricky Hammond and his companion Sarah of Presque Isle; four daughters, Debbie Gerard and her companion Ken Eaton of Stonington, Pamela Searles and Patty Searles, both of Caribou, Kelley Bouchard and her husband Dwayne of Perham; one brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Rose Marie Searles of Van Buren. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law, Joe Gregory of Goshen, IN, John McQuade and his wife Gloria of Medford, NB, Steve McQuade of Burks Falls, Ont., Jerry McQuade and his wife Anne of Medford, NB, Roger McQuade and his wife Nina of San Lorenzo, CA; sisters-in-law, Annie Scott and her husband Lon of Middletown, CT, Charlene Bourgeois of Medford, NB; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his special companion “Buddy” and many friends to numerous to list.

Friends may call Sunday October 12, 2014 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, where a funeral service to celebrate Al’s life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m.. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou at a later date. Those who wish may contribute in memory of All to the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association, Founder Affiliate, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com.