Lee Best Obituary

Lee Alan Best

Lee Alan Best, 77, of Arlington, passed away Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Lee was born March 12, 1946, in Bluffton, to Donald and Opal (Garlinger) Best. He was a 1964 graduate of Arlington High School. He married Deborah J. Courtright Welly on Oct. 24, 1998.

He is survived by his children with Marcia Best, Onna (Tony Berry) Best of Ft. Smith, AR, Dawn (Philip Gallup) Neal of Waterville, Todd (Dena) Best of Mt. Blanchard, and Lori Clarkson of Delphos; stepchildren, Sarah (Todd) Lucius of Van Buren and Stephen (Ann) Welly of Lima; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sue Best of Arlington; three nephews; and many cousins.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Karl Dean Best; and grandson, Trevor Lucius.

He attended and played football at Mt. Union College before he began his career at Cooper Tire and Rubber where he retired after 42 years. Lee loved Arlington Local School where he volunteered for 38 years, videoing sporting events for the athletic department and was in charge of the 50/50 raffle. He was inducted into the Hancock County Sports Hall of Fame for his life-long commitment to Arlington Athletics. Lee was an Arlington Red Devil through and through but when it came to college, he was an avid Ohio State Buckeye. He could be found attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Lee's other love was racing. He even started the pace truck at Eldora and Millstream Speedways and sponsored many sprint car drivers over the years. He also loved singing in the choir at church and was an avid animal lover.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 19, 2024 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church where the family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Friday until the time of service. Pastor Deb Noll will officiate and burial will follow in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Lee to the Arlington Lions Club or the Arlington Athletic Department. The family asks those attending to wear Ohio State Apparel in honor of Lee. The family would also like to offer a thank you to the doctors and nurses at Blanchard Valley CCU. Your love and compassion during Lee's stay is greatly appreciated. We are forever grateful.

Crates Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements and online condolences can be expressed to the family by visitingcoldrencrates.com.