Edward Best

VERNE BEST

Edward Verne Best, age 77, of Kahoka, MO, died Monday, November 15, 2004 in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, IA.

He was born January 29,1927 at Athens, MO, a son of Elmer E. and Myrtle I. Brown Best.

On June 14, 1949 he was united in marriage to Jo Etta Brown in Kahoka. She preceded him in death on August 2, 1984.

Survivors include two sons, Mark Best and his wife, Cindy, of Kahoka and Randy Best of Jefferson City; two daughters, Mary Jo Laffoon and her husband, Wayne, of Alexandria, and Verna Garrels and her husband, Mike, of Kahoka; eight grandchildren: Mike Laffoon of Luray, Adam and Dawn Laffoon and Ben and Ann Laffoon, all of Jefferson City, Christopher and Katie Best and Marjorie Best, all of Kirksville, and Mykal, Logan, and Mikayla Garrels, all of Kahoka;

five great grandchildren: Joshua Laffoon, Derek Laffoon, Andrew Laffoon, Emma Garrels, and

Tess Laffoon; as well as other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a sister, Vera Schockley; an infant

brother; a nephew; and a niece.

Verne was a WWII Navy Veteran. He had been a self employed contractor in plumbing, heating, and appliance repair in his business known as 3 in 1 Service. He formerly worked as Light Plant Operator for the City of Kahoka and as pipe fitter at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.

He and his wife and family owned and operated Best Boarding Home, providing care and a home to many through the years. He was an avid gardener and was well known for his success in raising strawberries.

Funeral services are Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Burial will be in Peaksville Cemetery.

Friends can call after 9 a.m. on Wednesday at Wilson Funeral Home with family receiving friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to the Peaksville Cemetery.