Thomas 'Tom' Milton Best

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Mr. Thomas "Tom" Milton Best, 75, Blytheville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, May 16, 2012. He was physically born Oct. 29, 1936, in Kit Carson, Col., and was re-born May 2, 1971. He was a very active and faithful member of Clear Lake Baptist Church where he served as assistant treasurer for many years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having retired after 20 years of service. He was stationed in Georgia, California, the Philippines, Kansas, Arizona, and spent the last five years in Minot, N.D. He also had a career as an auto mechanic, retiring after 25 years.

His hobbies included tending to the vegetable garden, fishing with his grandchildren, and cracking his pecans that were gathered from his yard and freezing them. He really enjoyed tinkering as an auto mechanic and liked carpentry work too.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Mattie (Coffield) Best; and a sister, Bonnie Best.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Middleton Best;

One son, Phillip Best (and Bonnie) of Lafe;

One daughter, Brenda Best Potter (and Lonnie) of Edmond Okla.;

One sister, Betty Lou Maier of La Junta, Col.;

Two grandsons, Thomas Allen Best of Kennett, Mo., and Jacob Best of Lafe;

Four granddaughters, Samantha Young of Blytheville, Natalie Kayne and Gina James of Oklahoma City, and Anna Best of Lafe; and

Five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould with the Rev. Coy Camp officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at Carney Funeral Home in Blytheville. Condolences may be made at www.carneyfuneralhome.com