Carl D. Best

Carl D. Best, 80, of Bartonville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on July 28, 1941 in Peoria, a son of Kenneth L. and Frances Beulah (Nickerson) Best. At age 7, Carl was blessed with a second mom, Eleanor Best. He married Lorita "Rita" L. Haynes on January 30, 1960 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on July 6, 2020 in Peoria. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kenneth A. Best; his daughter, Kimberly Best; and one grandson, Tyler Best; his brother, James Michael Stafford; and his sister, Carol Saltzgive. Carl is survived by his son, Kevin (Melissa) Best of Greeley, CO; his daughter, Karla (Jeannie Reynolds) Best of Bartonville; one daughter-in-law, Debra (Mike) Kelso of Punta Gorda, FL; three grandchildren, Tara Best, Reagan (Tanner Johnson) Best, and Brock Best; four sisters, Janet Cadwallader of Sun City, AZ, and Peggy Best, Patty Best, and Cynthia (Gary) Baldwin, all of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; one brother-in-law, Alan J. (Naden) Haynes, Sr. of Reno, NV; and many nieces and nephews. Carl was a certified arborist and former owner of Best Tree Experts, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Good Sam's Camping Club, American Legion Limestone Post #979, and the National Arborist Association. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer all of his life. Carl also enjoyed entertaining on his deck, camping, four wheeling, snow skiing. He never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. Carl's family would like to especially thank Stephanie RN and Sammie RN for taking such great care of Carl during his transition. Cremation has been entrusted to Schmidt-Haller Burial & Cremation Services in Peoria. His family is in charge of service arrangements. Carl's memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville. Facemasks will be required for guests. Inurnment will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church Building Improvement Fund. Previous Events Memorial Service FEB 19. 1:00 PM (CT) St. John Lutheran Church 6614 W. Smithville Road Bartonville, IL 61607 http://www.stjohnbville.com

Carl D. Best

July 28, 1941 - February 10, 2022