REPUBLIC, Mo. -- Richard Alan Best, 87, of 1003 Elizabeth, formerly of Nappanee, Ind., died at 1:15 CST Monday (Nov. 16, 2009) in his home. He moved from Nappanee to Republic one year ago.

He was born Sept. 30, 1922, in Nappanee to William C. and Idola (Weiser) Best. On Sept. 24, 1944, he married Maryellen Neterer in Nappanee.

She survives along with one son, Randall (Karen) Best of Masillon, Ohio; three daughters, Cynthia (Roger) Heckaman of Syracuse, Ind., Cathlin Stuntz of Republic and Elizabeth (Phil) Keiser of Sauk City, Wis.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; and one brother, William W. (Kris) Best of Nappanee.

Mr. Best was a graduate of Nappanee High School. He retired from Inman Retail Food Brokerage Co., Detroit, and was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II. He was a moderator, deacon, Sunday school teacher and member of First Brethren Church.

He served on the Nappanee City Council and Elkhart County Park Board for eight years, and as a Nappanee city judge for four years. Mr. Best was a member of the American Legion and had served on the Nappanee Utilities Board.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Thompson Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, 950 N. Main St., Nappanee, and one hour prior to the 2 p.m. Sunday funeral service at First Brethren Church, Nappanee. The Rev. Tom Schiefer will officiate. Military graveside services will be in South Union Cemetery with the Nappanee American Legion officiating.

Memorials may be given to Kidney Cancer Association or Hospice Compassus, Springfield, Mo.