Eugene K. Best

Eugene K. “Gene” Best, 88, of Nickleville Rd., Emlenton, Richland Twp., Venango County, passed away early Monday morning, August 8, 2016 at the Caring Place in Franklin.

Eugene was born in Nickleville on December 12, 1927.  He was the son of the late Lester “Doc” and Nellie Kline Best.

He was a 1945 graduate of Emlenton High School.  Gene was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Korea during the Korean War.  He was a long time member of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church and had served as an elder and trustee.  He was a member of the Edenburg Masonic Lodge #550 F&AM in Knox, the Richland Grange, and the Dehart –Rossman Wenner American Legion Post 997.  Gene enjoyed farming, woodworking, gardening, and the company of his family, especially his grandkids.  He retired as a supervisor in 1987 following more than 30 years of service with the former General Telephone now Verizon.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Donna Mae Beels Best.  The couple was married on October 3, 1953 at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church by the Rev. James Tilton.  Also surviving are five children, Debbie Wilkinson and her husband, Frank, of Polk, Thomas E. Best and his wife, Sandi, of Emlenton, Scott Best and his wife, Marcia, of St. Petersburg, Robert A. Best of Parker, and Douglas E. Best and his wife, Susan, of Rutland, VT; nine grandchildren, Stefanie Best, Darcy Best, Brian Best and his wife, Katy, James Best, Brittney Best, Katelyn Best, Evan Best, Nathan Best, and Justin Best, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Mr. Best was preceded in death by a grandson, Brady K. Best, who died in 1991, a brother, Ralph “Tom” Best, a sister, Mary Olive Fisher, a sister-in-law, Esther Best, three brothers-in-law, Jack Fisher, Glenn Beels, and Wilmer “Bill” Heath and a nephew, John Best.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 1 – 3 and 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday and at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church from 10 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Sue Montgomery, church pastor, officiating.  Interment with military honors provided by the Dehart-Rossman Wenner American Legion Post #997 will follow in the Nickleville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Eugene’s memory may be made to the Nickleville Church, 169 Valley Church Rd, Emlenton, PA  16373.  The Edenburg Masonic Lodge #550 F&AM of Knox will hold a memorial service for their departed brother at 5:45 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.  For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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