Robert Ray "Bobby" Searle

Robert Ray (Bobby) Searle, 65, of Olathe Kansas Passed away on August 22, 2021 peacefully after a long hard-fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Bobby was born in Guymon, Oklahoma on August 3, 1956. He graduated from Stratford High in 1974. Bobby was married to his High School Sweetheart Kathleen Martin on June 15th, 1975; they were married for 46 years. Bobby was employed by Praxair/Linde as the Global Helium Operations Manager for over 40 years. Bobby was known as “Mr. Helium” in the industrial gas industry and was called upon for by everyone in the Helium business for support, knowledge and troubleshooting when they had production problems. He made important contributions and an impact across the globe. Bobby supported and shared his Helium knowledge with many locations in the US including his operational support and guidance at the Bureau of Land Management in Amarillo, TX, where he would share his knowledge of Helium manufacturing that enhanced the operations. In his Global role, he recently supported Linde’s Helium Operations in Australia and traveled to Algeria to share his knowledge and operational best practices. Bobby never took a day off; besides the love of his family, Helium was his life. You could always count on Bobby and he was always there for whoever needed him. He touched many people’s lives and they are all better for having known him. Bobby is survived by his Stepfather Jim Skillin, Texhoma, OK; his two children Trent R. Searle and wife Sarah of Branson, MO., Shelly Wedel and her husband Matt of Olathe, KS.; his 10 grandchildren Morgan, Lani, Trey, Jace, Zac, Austin, Sophie, Lauren, Paisley, and Norah; his brothers Sam and Chuck Backus, his two sisters Cindy Morgan and Diana Withers; his nieces, nephews’ sister-in-law and brother in-laws his beloved dog Polly and the rest of his family and friends. Bobby is preceded in death by his parents Robert Searle and Margaret Skillin as well as his brother Joe Searle. The funeral services will be held at the First Christian Church in Stratford, Texas at 11:00 Friday, August 27, 2021, graveside services will follow. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Beeson~Morrison Funeral Directors. The family of Bobby Searle wishes to thank the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care and The First Christian Church of Stratford and the University of Kansas Health Systems.