John Elvin Best, Jr.

John Elvin Best, Jr., 79, of Dunlap, died on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, 4:07 PM, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. John was born on May 27, 1937, in Argyle, Iowa. He was the son of John Elvin and Mary (Dunn) Best. John married the love of his life, Clara Jo Sauer, on September 2, 1962, at her parents’ house in Shelbina, Mo. He is survived by his loving wife, Clara, of Dunlap; son, John (Delores) Best, of Lindenhurst, IL; three brothers; three sisters; grandchildren, Jennifer Velasquez, of Lindenhurst, IL and Mark Best of Grayslake, IL ; a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Velasquez of Lindenhurst; and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters. John was a graduate of Keokuk High School. John was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1954-1960. He served as a staff sergeant during the Korean Conflict. After the Army, John worked for 15 years at the Consolidated Aluminum Corporation in Shelbina, Mo as a distribution manager; then worked at Peoria Plastics for 19 years, until his retirement in 1998. John loved to hunt and fish. He also loved spending time with his family. He was deeply loved and will be truly missed. A visitation for John will be held from 10-11 AM, on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at First Church of the Nazarene, 1501 Webster St., Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM, with Pastor Harold Berrian officiating. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in John’s honor may be given to the First Church of the Nazarene.