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Earl Best Obituary

Earl Best
Went to be with his Lord on April 24, 2006.

Earl was born February 22, 1927 in Long Beach, Calif., the son of Glen and Nellie Best. In 1932 the family moved from California to a farm in Admire, Kans., where he started school at the age of five. The family moved back to California. In 1936 they settled in Whittier. His father worked in the oil fields until they moved to Oregon in December 1941, to a farm on Thompson Creek. Earl enlisted in the Navy at age 17, and served in the South Pacific during WWII. In 1943 he met Doreene Duval, and they were married in Reno, Nev. on Nov. 11, 1945.

He was discharged from the Navy in 1946, and entered into a partnership with his dad, his uncle, Glenn Hunter, and his cousin, Billy Joe Hunter, and a sawmill was started on Thompson Creek, later moving to Ruch. Logging and sawmilling was a big part of his life.

In Nov. 1946, both Doreene and Earl accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. It was only a short time later when they dedicated their lives to the Lord and the Lord began the journey starting at Multnomah School of the Bible.

After graduation, Earl and Doreene went back to Ruch to start Ruch Community Bible Church. Throughout the years he pastored numerous churches in the valley. He started Wilderness Trails in 1967. Earl worked for Josephine County in the probation department in 1971-1979. He drove over the road truck before retirement. When he retired, he accepted a job as chaplain for Providence Hospital and Asante. He especially liked working in the cancer center. Earl also took on the new task of learning a second language. He chose Spanish to be of better assistance to those people who could use his help in his daily work.

Earl is survived by his wife, Doreene; his children, Linda Keener, Judy Milton, Douglas Best, and Glen Best; his sister, Grace Stephens; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Community Bible Church in Central Point. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Providence Hospital Hospice, Providence Cancer Center, Wilderness Trails, P.O. Box 4655, Medford, OR 97501, or your own personal favorite charity.

He's laughing!
He's loving!
He's living!
Published by Mail Tribune on Apr. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Best

Not sure what to say?





HELENA (NAFTZ) PIGEON

May 13, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the Best family at this time of mourning.I am an old friend of Doug Best. I met Mr. and Mrs. Best a long time ago. What nice people.



Sincerely, Helena Naftz Pigeon

L B

May 3, 2006

What a blessing it has been to have Earl and Doreen as my in-laws. They have given me courage and strength in the Lord too many times to count. There is great joy knowing he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, however when sadness is present I pull from one of my favorite verses: When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2



Thank you Lord for sharing them with me and Earl please say hello to my Mom and Dad.

Carmen Wiebe

April 30, 2006

Earl Best was my Great Uncle and I was blessed by his love for God and people. Proverbs 4:18 says "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." Uncle Earl has finally reached the full light of his day, and has blazed a path of righteousness for us to follow. I am thankful for that heritage and example.

Susan Bernardo

April 27, 2006

I knew Earl through my 8 year employment at Providence. Talking with Earl and being around his infectious smile always left me in a good mood. I was very sad to hear this news that Earl passed on. The moment I heard, I had a vision of Earl standing with a group of friends in heaven, and I heard him say “Did you hear the one about….” Just as Earl’s jokes always made me smile, so will his memory. I am sorry for those that will miss him dearly, but I know it won’t be the last we see of him.

Sharon (Larson) Reider

April 27, 2006

I will always remember Earl and the love and support that he has given my family over the years. He was always there when there were times of loss and crisis. I grew up in Ruch and did attend the church many times. Earl performed the funeral for my Dad and had ministered to the Larson family on numerous occasions. God Bless you and your family. Sharon (Larson) Reider

Mitzy Pemberton

April 27, 2006

Dear Doreen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was my favorite cousin and I am sure going to miss him. I wish I could be with you at this time but I have to wait awhile to make the trip. Thank you for the many good times you two have given me. I wish I could do more for you. My prayers are with you at this time and always. God Bless, Mitzy Pemberton

Bruce Rodgers

April 27, 2006

It is a bittersweet time yes but he is with the father now no pain,resting with the father For us we have only memories now but we will meet again When I see Earl I see the apostle Paul and at his time he said I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4;6-8

Laurie A

April 27, 2006

Earl made a very strong impression on my life as a young child. Table rock church is where we met! My parents Buck & Wanda Short were members. Thank you for all that you taught me. Even the bible stories that you did from whats in this box.. wether it be a blade of grass or a small stone!

David McNeill

April 27, 2006

I remember Earl Best when I was young he drove our yooth group from Ruch to Grants Pass. We went roller skating. I admired him very much as he was a very Godly Man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Sheryl Feriante

April 27, 2006

I was fortunate to have Earl Best as an Uncle. He taught so much by his testimony of faith and his example for living. The encouragement we have is that we know he is now free of pain and enjoying endless days with our Lord and Savior.

Madeline

April 27, 2006

I was looking forward to knowing this gentle man for much longer, had the priviledge of meeting his father so longevity seemed inevitable, but not to be, our Lord could wait no longer to call him home and, so he left us. We will miss his wisdom and his smiling face.

Nancy

April 27, 2006

When my mother had to be hospitalized during a visit with me, Earl brought her joy, prayer, and a sense or warmth and caring that she remembers still. Please accept my deepest symathy for your loss. All of us will miss his presence and spirit of embracing each one he talked with.

Dee

April 27, 2006

My one regret is I did not get to know Earl long enough. He was always such a great inspiration to us all. Thank you for all of the gifts you gave us.

Karibeth Beaulieu (Bayless)

April 27, 2006

Earl came to see me while I was a patient at Providence in 2004. He asked about my family and we realized that he was a friend to my father when they were boys growing up in Grants Pass. Mr Best spent a lot of time at my bedside reassuring me, giving me spiritual comfort and promising me that all would be well.

I thank you for sharing Earl with others just like me. He was a wonderful man, gracious and giving and I will never forget his words to me.

Be at Peace, Earl, you have earned your rest!

Patrick Keener

April 27, 2006

Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:16 (NIV)

Michelle Knight

April 27, 2006

I came to know the Lord through Ruch Community Bible Church and I remember Earl as a godly man who was never ashamed to share his love for the Lord. He was a joy to come in contact with. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.

Joyce Glover

April 27, 2006

I just want to say,

I only met the man once in person, but many times by his love for Our Lord Jesus Christ.

It still shines in the hearts and lives of the children that he raised.

And his love for Christ,

his childrens love for Christ,

has cultured my Love for Jesus. And many others are saved I'm sure by his devotion.

To Earl Best Family - I Thank You for showing me how to make this world a better place for me.



Sincerely, Joyce

ps Say Hi to my mom and family in Heaven.See you There.

Susan

April 27, 2006

Earl always had a smile and a positive attitude. He could make you happy just by being in his presence. He will be remembered fondly.

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