John B. Searle, 80, of Clifford, PA., died Saturday morning, May 12, 2007 at the Golden Living Center, Tunkhannock, PA., after a long illness. He was the husband of the former Barbara Jean Bates, who died in 2005. Born October 7, 1926 in Carbondale, PA., he was the son of the late Barry and Marion Morgan Searle. He was a graduate of the Ben Franklin High School, Carbondale, Keystone Junior College, La Plume, PA., and attended Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. He was an army veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific Theatre. He had a career in banking and was the manger of the former Liberty Bank in Forest City, PA. and Carbondale and the First National Bank in Peckville, PA. He was a licensed private pilot. He is survived by two sons: Barry, of Clifford, who is currently serving in Afghanistan and Roger of Thornton, PA.; three grandchildren: Wendy, Jeffrey and Courtney; three great grandchildren: Abigail, Aidan and Ella. He was preceded in death by one sister: Jane Gebhardt A memorial service was held Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 2:00 PM from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home, Dundaff and Main Streets, Clifford, with Rev. Jack Race, officiating., Interment will be private at a later date. Cremation took place at the Maple Hill Crematory, Archbald, PA. Family and friends called Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 1:00 PM till service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 500 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18505