Keith A. Searls

Keith A. Searls died Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring MD following complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born in 1946, the son of the late George B. Searls and Muriel L. (Barr) Searls, he was a lifelong Washington area resident. He attended Washington DC schools and was a graduate of George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs, nurturing a lifelong interest in history. After earning a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Catholic University he pursued a career as a law librarian at multiple law libraries over the years, including the Association of Trial Lawyers, the law firm Milbank Tweed, and the Social Security Administration, ending his career at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Throughout his life he enjoyed the outdoors, from childhood exploring in Rock Creek Park to jogging, canoeing on the C&O canal, walking his dog, or sitting on the porch watching his wife work in the garden. He enjoyed seeing the garden bloom, but his own gardening interests focused on the beloved cactus plants occupying the sunniest windowsills in the house.

He is survived by his wife, Sallee Garner, brother Burke Searls (Beth), sister Loyes Wilkinson (Mack), and a niece and nephew and their families.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to organizations supporting Parkinson’s research, animal welfare, and environmental protection.