Howard "Bud" Best

CASTINE — Howard "Bud" Best, 71, of Castine, Ohio, passed away July 5, 2018, at Maple Gardens in Eaton, Ohio.

He was born December 2, 1946, in Greenville to the late Howard and Patricia (Masters) Best.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by his daughter, Margaret Best.

Bud served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from May 24, 1966, to May 16, 1970, serving in the Vietnam War as a bomb loader. Bud was born and raised on a farm and had a passion for farming, God, and his family. Bud enjoyed John Deere tractors and owned a 1940 Model B which was nicknamed "Ole Johnny." He was a truck driver most of his life and attended Bible Fellowship Church in Greenville. Bud was not only a father to his own children, but he had claimed four of Elizabeth's friends as his own, he called them "his girls."

Bud is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue Ellen (Eubank) Best, whom he married June 25, 1971; his daughters, Shari (Jeff) Wappelhorst of Greenville, Rebecca Best, and family, of Australia, and Elizabeth Best of Castine; his grandchildren, Mariah (Chris) North, Joey Wappelhorst, Zephaniah and Addelaide Cass, and Josselynn Best; his daughters-in-love, Heather Baker, Danielle House, Jenni Delk, and April Tedore, who preceded Bud in death. Bud also leaves behind several special friends, Charlotte Fletcher, Danny and Nickie Lee, John and Myra Paulus, and Walt and Darlene Bruchey.

A Celebration of Bud's life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 21, at Bible Fellowship Church, 7757 Greenville-Celina Road, Greenville, Ohio, with Pastor Scott Gruber officiating. The family encourages everyone to dress comfortably. Following the service, the family will be receiving guests and sharing memories until 5 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428. The family has entrusted Tribute Funeral Homes with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with family a www.tributefuneralhomes.com