FREEPORT - Dr. Vernon C. Best, 84, formerly of Orangeville, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at Manor Court in Freeport.
Born November 1924, in rural Davis, Illinois, he was the son of Ezra and Anna Elizabeth (Schoch) Best. He graduated from the three-year Davis High School in 1941 and from Freeport High School in 1942. He attended North Central College, Naperville, IL and graduated from Loyola Dental School of Chicago in 1947.
Vernon married Doris Evelyn Meinert at what is now the United Church of Christ of Davis, IL in July 1947. Upon his completion of dental school, they moved to Orangeville, where he practiced dentistry for over 40 years, and resided for over 55 years. He served with the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, which included duty with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit in Korea attaining the rank of captain. He and Doris moved to Freeport Liberty Village in October 2004. Dr. Best was a charter member of the American Association of Preventative Dentistry, charter member of the American Academy of Gnathological Orthopedics, and member of the U.S. Grant (2-term president), Illinois, and American Dental Societies.
Vernon also served for 12 years on the Orangeville Community Unit 203 Board of Education, for 10 years on the Jane Addams Regional Mental Health Board, and for 4 years on the Stephenson County Mental Health Board.
Dr. Best was a member of the Orangeville Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. He was a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men, and since moving to Freeport, a member of Bethany United Church of Christ. A lifelong advocate for his progeny's academic, cultural, and athletic endeavors, and the welfare of his community, he also enjoyed fishing, boating, and golfing.
He is survived by two daughters and two sons: Caryl (John) Buford of Orangeville, Larry (Noreen) Best of Bluegrass, IA, LaVerne (Kathleen) of Orangeville, and Lou Ann (Thomas) Talley of Albany, GA; 5 grandchildren, Heather (Jeff Oatley) Best, Alison Best, Kaitlyn Best, Eric Best, and Daniel Talley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Funeral service will be Monday 11:30 a.m. at Orangeville United Methodist Church with Reverend James A. Kettzel officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the Church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
The family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.
Born November 1924, in rural Davis, Illinois, he was the son of Ezra and Anna Elizabeth (Schoch) Best. He graduated from the three-year Davis High School in 1941 and from Freeport High School in 1942. He attended North Central College, Naperville, IL and graduated from Loyola Dental School of Chicago in 1947.
Vernon married Doris Evelyn Meinert at what is now the United Church of Christ of Davis, IL in July 1947. Upon his completion of dental school, they moved to Orangeville, where he practiced dentistry for over 40 years, and resided for over 55 years. He served with the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, which included duty with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit in Korea attaining the rank of captain. He and Doris moved to Freeport Liberty Village in October 2004. Dr. Best was a charter member of the American Association of Preventative Dentistry, charter member of the American Academy of Gnathological Orthopedics, and member of the U.S. Grant (2-term president), Illinois, and American Dental Societies.
Vernon also served for 12 years on the Orangeville Community Unit 203 Board of Education, for 10 years on the Jane Addams Regional Mental Health Board, and for 4 years on the Stephenson County Mental Health Board.
Dr. Best was a member of the Orangeville Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. He was a member of the Orangeville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men, and since moving to Freeport, a member of Bethany United Church of Christ. A lifelong advocate for his progeny's academic, cultural, and athletic endeavors, and the welfare of his community, he also enjoyed fishing, boating, and golfing.
He is survived by two daughters and two sons: Caryl (John) Buford of Orangeville, Larry (Noreen) Best of Bluegrass, IA, LaVerne (Kathleen) of Orangeville, and Lou Ann (Thomas) Talley of Albany, GA; 5 grandchildren, Heather (Jeff Oatley) Best, Alison Best, Kaitlyn Best, Eric Best, and Daniel Talley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Funeral service will be Monday 11:30 a.m. at Orangeville United Methodist Church with Reverend James A. Kettzel officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the Church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
The family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.