Robert Lee Best

Robert Lee Best, 90, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024 at his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Robert was born on December 24, 1933, in Dover Township, Kansas to Willis and Clara (Morand) Best. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1942 into the Quindaro homes which housed workers of the North America Bomber Plant. There would be lots of kids in this community including one girl named Dora Gordon. They would graduate from Wyandotte High School in 1952. This is the same year that Robert went to work for Trans World Airlines (TWA).

Robert and Dora were married on May 21, 1954. In 1956, as they prepared for their first child, Robert went into the Army. Robert, Dora and their young son would spend over a year in Bamburg, West Germany with the US Army. They did take advantage of this adventure to visit Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Robert was a Sergeant when he was honorably discharged in 1958.

After returning home, Robert continued working at TWA. As with many of TWAers, Robert and Dora built a house and moved to the northland area of Kansas City, Missouri to raise their family as they added two more children to the family. Robert had a shop in this house where he could do his woodwork including building furniture for their house. Those years also included family vacations to the Rocky Mountains, many fishing trips and bird hunting with his sons. As their children grew, Robert started attending auctions with a special interest in antique toys and gas engines. He retired in 1994 to work full-time on his projects. When Robert saw a creative challenge, he would dive in. His creativity was beyond imagination. He began foundry work making replicas of antique cars and model gas engines. Later he would either carve an animal figure out of wood or create a mold for casting the figure. He probably could have made a lot of money, if his family let his items go.

Robert found that one of the best things about having children was having grandchildren and then great grandchildren. He adored his family and his favorite days were days spent with them.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws William and Erma Gordon, sister-in-law Carolyn Best, and brothers-in-law Ron Misner and Dale Ohler.

Robert leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and lifelong love, his wife of 70 years Dora. He also leaves his children that are so much better having had him in their lives, Gary and Linda Best, Craig and Andrea Best and Karen Best. His beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, Chris and Keri Best and their children Arthur, Graysen, and Emmersen; Jennifer Best; Craig Best, Jr and Abigail Lambke and their son Clive; Kyla and Josh Robinson and their children Kinley, Hallie and Lawson; Clarissa and Josh Weyant and their children Oliver and Clara; and Tess Phillips. Additionally, he leaves behind his son-in-law, Aaron Phillips, his brothers, Willard and Willis (Carole) Best, brother-in-law Dean (Doris) Gordon, his sisters-in-law Kay Ohler and Mary Jo Misner.

And finally, those who may miss him most, Chloe, Pepper and Calvin who knew who to sit by at family meals and where to get dog treats when visiting Robert and Dora.

A visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 7600 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Sunset Gardens, 3223 N 18th St, Kansas City, KS 66104.

As this is a celebration of Robert’s life, casual attire is encouraged.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Best, Jennifer Best, CJ Best, Kyla Robinson, Clarissa Weyant, Tess Phillips, and Arthur Best.