In 1984 Gallatin R-5 School formally renamed its elementary school to honor Covel Searcy was a well-known and popular personality, a father and grandfather, educator and longtime public school administrator at Gallatin, MO.

Covel Searcy served as a principal in the R-5 school system for 29 years. The community’s elementary school was named in his honor in 1984: Searcy R-5 Elementary School. He remained active in Gallatin Lions Club and other local interests while in his retirement. Covel Searcy died April 13, 2002.