Charles Best

Charles E. Best, 88, of Kansas City, Kans., died July 20, 2012, of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born Jan. 2, 1924, in Linton, Kans., a small community east of Pleasanton, Kans. He was the only child of the late Dorinda (Ferguson) and William Edwin Best. His grandfather, C. O. Best, came to Kansas in a covered wagon, traveling with his wife and five-year-old son, Ed, from Illinois to Linton, Kans., located at the Rich Hill branch of the Memphis Railroad. C.O. Best bought a farm and opened a general store, was appointed postmaster and owned a blacksmith shop, feed mill and broom factory. Charles' father owned a well drilling company and farmed and his mother, Dorinda Ferguson Best, formerly of Rich Hill, Mo., ran the household. Drafted into WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater and in Occupied Japan with the 24th Infantry Division. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Charles worked as a mechanic in Kansas City for Auto Transport, Rodeo Meat and the Kansas City, Mo., police garage. He opened Charlie's Garage in Argentine, Kans., and ran his own successful business for many years. On retiring, he became a security guard for Wells Fargo and Whelen Security, working into his 80s. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Barnes, of Liberty, Mo., and his long-time companion, Marie Abercrombie Best and her children, Ross and Judy Abercrombie, of Basehor, Kans.; their sons Steve and his wife Cheryl, also of Basehor; and son Daniel and close friend Annette Phillips of Overland Park, Kans., and his son Dustin, of Overland Park, Kans.; and Stanley Abercrombie and wife Rhonda and son, Stanley, Jr., of Dallas, Texas. There was cremation with a Visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday July 27, 2012 at the Maple Hill Funeral Home Kansas City, Kansas. A Memorial Graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday July 28, 2012 at the Pleasanton Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the Linn County Historical Museum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.schneiderfunerals.com.