Francis Arthur ‘Pete’ Searer
Francis Arthur “Pete” Searer, 86, of Lewistown, passed away on May 7, 2026. Pete, or “Judge,” as many people called him, even decades after he served, was always ready to strike up a conversation, with a twinkle in his eye, as he laughed the day away. He lived a legendary life as a lawyer, farmer, outdoorsman, golfer, and antique car restorer. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, conversing with his friends at East End Coffee Shop, and serving his community. With his family and friends, he built his cabin in the mountains so that he could enjoy stargazing, watching wildlife, and reading Robert Frost and Herman Melville in his favorite recliner by the window.
Born May 21, 1939, in his parents’ home, to the late John and Violet (Young) Searer, of Juniata Terrace. Pete attended Lewistown High School where he donned the maroon and steel and was a standout basketball, track, and football player. Pete was known in football for his, “tremendous defensive play and fine pass catching ability.” He earned National High School All-American honors as well as being named to the Associated Press All Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Team as an end. He went on to graduate with a degree in math from Lock Haven University while playing football for the Bald Eagles where he set a record for blocked punts. After two years as a math teacher, track, and wrestling coach at Kishacoquillas High School he went on to become a distinguished graduate of Dickinson School of Law.
“No one knows how difficult it is to perform the duties of presiding judge even tolerably well until he has tried it.” – Honorable John Reed, founder Dickinson School of Law 1833
Pete went on to a long and storied career as a lawyer in Mifflin County serving as the county’s first public defender, district attorney from 1971 to 1975 and judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1982 to 1991. He then started his own law practice and was eventually joined by his son, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Nancy. In his spare time, he tirelessly worked on his farm growing corn, potatoes, raising sheep, pigs, and chickens.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Nash Car Club of America, Antique Car Club of America, Lewistown Country Club, Mifflin County Library Board of Directors, Mifflin County and Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Mifflin County Democrats.
While never officially retiring from the law profession, he slowly weened back his hours to spend time working on his collection of antique cars. He loved driving his 1954 Nash Rambler Country Club all over the country with his wife, Cathy. Together they traveled to California, New York, New England, New York, and Wisconsin for the Annual Grand “Nashional.” Breaking down was never a problem, it was just part of the adventure. Eschewing the traffic and speed of the interstates, they meandered around the country on two lane roads. He loved spending the winter months in Myrtle Beach playing golf in the sun and sitting on the balcony watching the waves roll in. He was part of a loyal company of golfers that played three times a week at Lewistown Country Club where he served as president of the board.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy (Laub), whom he married on his birthday. They would have been married 22 years on May 21, 2026. He is also survived by his sons Daniel (Jennifer) of Lewistown, Nathan (Janet) of Juniata Terrace, and Matthew (Kimberly) of West Linn, Ore., daughter Amy Davis (David) of Lewistown, brothers John “Jack” Searer (Elaine) of McVeytown, and Michael Britt (Linda) of Fredericksburg, Va., brothers- in-law, Joe (Nancy) Laub of Lewistow, Matt Laub of Lewistown, and Tom Laub of Lewistown, grandchildren, James Owen Searer, Jackson Searer, Lily Holland (CJ), Jacob Searer, Abby Davis, and Brady Parks.
A few lines from one of Pete’s favorite poems to all who have come to know and love him over the years:
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, It is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. – Desiderata: Child of the Universe by Max Ehrmann
Arrangements have been entrusted to King Barr Funeral Home, 120 Logan St., Lewistown, where a public viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m.
Donations can be sent to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church or Mifflin County Library.
Online condolences can be shared at www.kingbarrfuneralhome.com.