Robert E. Best

Robert E. Best, 85, of Springfield, died at 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at St. John's Hospital. Robert was born October 31, 1928 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Lula Stubbs Best. He married Joan Charles on July 23, 1949; she preceded him in death. Robert was a 1947 graduate of Feitshans High School and worked for Sangamo Electric for 32 years and Pillsbury Mills for 10 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick Catholic Church. Robert was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, avid horseshoe player, enjoyed bowling, enjoyed gardening and enjoyed spending time with his dog, Dakota. He was also preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; five sisters; and one daughter, Shirley Blankenship. He is survived by four sons, Robert (wife, Kathleen) Best of Rochester, Eugene (wife, Deborah) Best of Springfield, Gary D. Best (fiance, Tammy) of Riverton, and Gregory (wife, Renee) Best of Springfield; one daughter, Brenda Best of Springfield; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Reba Crawford and Ellen Watkins, both of Springfield; and one son-in-law, Mike Blankenship. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities of Springfield, 120 S. 11th St., Springfield, IL 62703.