Douglas D. Best

Douglas Dale Best, 61, of Oxford, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born March 11, 1964, in Lafayette, Indiana, to K. Dale Best and Mary (Shidler) Smith. Doug received his Bachelor's degree in Forestry from Purdue University. Family kept Doug close to home where he later became an electrician and owner of Best Electric Motors with his brother, Jeff Best.
Doug married his best friend, Tracy (Deckard), on August 8, 1987. Throughout those wonderful 38 years together, they welcomed the birth of their two children Alex and Allyson. In 2021, they welcomed Ally's husband Brody (Deno) into the family. A couple years later, their firstborn grandchild, Everhett (Deno), made his way into their hearts. Another (Deno) grandchild is expected to arrive in March 2026. Doug loved his family and friends so dearly.
Doug enjoyed anything and everything that had to do with the outdoors. His favorite place in the world was their family cabin "Bear Creek" where he and his loved ones would go to spend weekends away and hunt mushrooms in the spring and deer in the fall. He loved visiting national parks, especially those out West. If he wasn't working or sleeping, you could usually find him doing some sort of yardwork.
Doug was an avid sports fan especially for Purdue basketball and football. He also enjoyed cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and the Cincinnati Reds. Doug also loved watching tennis and golf.
In loving memory, Doug is cherished by his beloved wife, Tracy Best; Son, Alex Best; daughter, Allyson (Brody) Deno; grandson, Everhett Deno and grandchild, Baby Deno (coming March 2026); mother, Mary Smith; and brother, Jeff (Lana) Best; Father-in-law (Kenneth Deckard); Mother-in-law (Judy Deckard).
Doug was preceded in death by his father, K. Dale Best and stepfather, Jim Smith.
The family will be having a small private celebration of life.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart Elementary School in Fowler, IN or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attica, IN.