Wilbur Dean Best

Wilbur Dean Best
May 06, 1925 - December 28, 2005
North English, IA
Visitation: 1 PM to 8 PM December 30, 2005 at Powell Funeral Home, North English
Graveside Service: 10:30 AM December 31, 2005 at North English Cemetery
Wilbur Dean Best was born on May 6, 1925, in Centerville, IA, a son of Lester E. And Belva M. Burt Best. He attended school at and graduated from Cincinnati High School in 1942. Dean served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He attended Mortuary School in St. Louis, MO, and worked a short time in Fort Madison, IA. On March 20, 1946 he was united in marriage to Mary M. Griffin in Montezuma, IA. Other than a short time in Marengo, IA, Dean and Mary have made their home in North English. Dean was a long time North English businessman, owning and operating Best Funeral Home and Best Furniture. He served his community as being a past president of the Rotary Club, the Commercial Club, the Knoll Ridge Country Club Board, the English Valley Care Center Board, and was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge and a 50 year member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. Dean was long time fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He died following a long illness on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. He lived 80 years, 7 months and 22 days. Dean is survived by his wife Mary of North English; daughters Patricia Best of North English, IA and Barb Wright (John) of Waukee, IA; sons Ed Best (Kim) of Urbandale, IA and Dan Best of North English, IA. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Kelli Best-Oliver and husband Chris Oliver, Jacob & Andrew Best and Allie & Hilary Wright; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter Mary Rebecca. Dean's family will greet friends from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2005 at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English. A public graveside service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, December 31, 2005 in the North English Cemetery with Pastors Ben Wilson and Edwin Jordan officiating. Following the committal service the community is invited to Knoll Ridge Country Club in North English for a time of fellowship and refreshments. A memorial fund has been established for the North English First Responders, Hospice of Iowa County, Pet Safe Haven or Dollars for Scholars.