1932
Ernest
2011
Ernest Best
April 6, 1932 — January 22, 2011
E.D. Jack Best, born in Milwaukee, WI, on April 6, 1932, and known as ""Papa Jack"" to his grandchildren and motorcycle friends, died on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Mr. Best is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest D. & Adeline Krueger Best. A Naples resident since 1996, he is survived by his companion, Anne M. Loy, his daughters, Jacqueline T. (Johnny) Robinson and Linda A. Parrot; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He attended St. John's Military Academy and graduated in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the USAF and became a Drill Instructor. He then worked as a Radar Operations Supervisor and taught Jungle Survival in the Philippines. He ended his Air Force career in Korea, Japan, The Philippines, Iceland, and Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and Commendation Medal for his service.
After retirement from the Military, he was General Manager of a resort hotel in Northwest Florida. Later, while attending college on the GI Bill, he worked as a realtor and became Director of International Operations for Pizza Inn, Inc., spending the next seven 7 years traveling to many countries. He later taught Special Education as a substitute teacher before retiring.
Jack's hobbies were motorcycling and fishing. His special interest in Japanese language and culture led to extensive library on Japanese business, culture, fiction, and calligraphy.
He was a life member of the VFW, the American Legion, DAV, AF Sergeants Assn., the Retired Enlisted Assn., MENSA, 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner and Shriner Motorcycle Corps, Harley Owners Group, A.B.A.T.E., Rolling Thunder and Freedom Eagles. He was instrumental in forming Freedom Eagles. This group of volunteers maintain converted mailboxes for collection of old and tattered American flags in the Naples area. They also provide POW/MIA flags to businesses and patriotic organizations.
Private services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at a later date.
Ambassador Mortuary Service in Oldsmar, FL and the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi, MS, assisted the family with arrangements.
He attended St. John's Military Academy and graduated in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the USAF and became a Drill Instructor. He then worked as a Radar Operations Supervisor and taught Jungle Survival in the Philippines. He ended his Air Force career in Korea, Japan, The Philippines, Iceland, and Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and Commendation Medal for his service.
After retirement from the Military, he was General Manager of a resort hotel in Northwest Florida. Later, while attending college on the GI Bill, he worked as a realtor and became Director of International Operations for Pizza Inn, Inc., spending the next seven 7 years traveling to many countries. He later taught Special Education as a substitute teacher before retiring.
Jack's hobbies were motorcycling and fishing. His special interest in Japanese language and culture led to extensive library on Japanese business, culture, fiction, and calligraphy.
He was a life member of the VFW, the American Legion, DAV, AF Sergeants Assn., the Retired Enlisted Assn., MENSA, 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner and Shriner Motorcycle Corps, Harley Owners Group, A.B.A.T.E., Rolling Thunder and Freedom Eagles. He was instrumental in forming Freedom Eagles. This group of volunteers maintain converted mailboxes for collection of old and tattered American flags in the Naples area. They also provide POW/MIA flags to businesses and patriotic organizations.
Private services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at a later date.
Ambassador Mortuary Service in Oldsmar, FL and the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi, MS, assisted the family with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest Best, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors