Thomas Searcy, 78, of Elyria passed away peacefully on Saturday December 29, 2012. He was born in Thomaston, GA. January 25, 1934, and lived in Elyria for well over 50 years. Thomas was a passionate man who enjoyed upholstery. He was co-owner and founder of Welsh's Drapery and Upholstery that stood on the corner of Water St. and West Bridge St. in Elyria for several decades. He was a driving Instructor for several schools, including Safeway Driving School, Norwalk Driving School and Professional Driving School for a combined total of over 8 years. He was a true professional and his wealth of knowledge contributed to hundreds of high school students keeping the roads and highways safe throughout Lorain County. He traveled throughout Lorain County in his tan vegetable van; he sold vegetables and fruit at a wholesale price to bring relief to the community. In his spare time he enjoyed building things around his home. He was also a member of the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elyria. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 28 years, Sheryl A. (nee-Gerhart); sons, Thomas Jr. (Jennifer) Searcy, and Troy (Amy) Kurtz both of Elyria; daughters, Tony Brown, Terri Tomlin, Toby Kurtz, Leathy Searcy, Cathy Searcy all of Elyria, Elizabeth Shelton of Lorain, Charlene Shelton of San Antonio, TX., and Angellet Woody of Cleveland; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lizzie King and father Lee Andrew Searcy. The family will receive friends Wednesday 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Mr. Edward Dillon, Deacon at St. Mary Church will Officiate. Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 AM Thursday January 3, 2013 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday January 2, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.