Harry Arthur Best, Sr.

Harry Arthur Best, Sr., 76, of Petersburg, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at his residence. He was born on May 2, 1939 in Springfield to Herman Arthur Sr. and Dorothy Mae Dobson Best. Harry married Kathleen Elizabeth Doyle on July 19, 1984 in Springfield and she survives.

Mr. Best is survived by his children: Harry Arthur (Dawn) Best, Jr. of Sherman, Jennifer M. (Horst) Schedler of Loves Park and Anna M. (Joe) Tabit of Petersburg; his siblings Charles M. (Trudy) Best of Chatham and Margaret Lynn Mellinger of Springfield as well as 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, brother Herman Arthur Best, Jr., sisters Dorothy Frances Best and Patricia Bernadine Rabbitt.

Harry worked as an electrician for Western Electric and then later as an independent contractor. Harry was a US Air Force Veteran and member of the American Legion. He was also an active member of the Tyrian Lodge #333 AF & AM, a 32 degree Mason, and member of the Ansar Shrine. Harry was an avid outdoorsman and hunter who also loved riding his Honda Trike.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street, with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Masonic services conducted by Tyrian Lodge #333 AF & AM will start at 11:10am. The family will meet friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.