Jay Jon Best was born April 10, 1960, in San Diego, California, to Otis and Marion Miller Best. He passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024, in his home in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of sixty-four years, five months and twenty-seven days.
Jay was preceded in death by his father, Otis Best.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Best of Lebanon, Missouri; his mother, Marion Best of San Diego, California; step-daughter, Kathy Robinson of Lebanon, Missouri; step-sons, Mike Rothwell of Lebanon, Missouri, Ricky Rothwell and his wife Audrey of Lebanon, Missouri, and Jeff Rothwell and his wife Rachel of Strafford, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Andrew Robinson, Shelby Rothwell, Carley Rothwell, Jordyn Rothwell, Jessica Rothwell, Joshua Rothwell, Gracelyn Rothwell, Allison Rothwell and Adeline Rothwell; one great-granddaughter, Sophia Rothwell; his sister, Linda Klosterman and her husband Kim of San Diego, California; his brother, Alan Best and his wife Virginia of Kansas City, Missouri; a niece, Laura Klosterman; and a great-niece, Violet.
Jay was raised in San Diego where he completed his schooling. He relocated to Missouri in the 1980’s. He was employed by Siding Wholesalers of Missouri for twenty-four years. He also was a school bus driver for several years.
On December 12, 1997, Jay was united in marriage to Patricia Rothwell. They have been devoted to each other for nearly twenty-seven years of marriage. When Patricia became ill, he was her primary caretaker.
Jay was the proud owner of two Mustang vehicles. He loved driving them and was a member for several years of the Cave State Cruiser’s Car Club. He won many trophies participating in numerous car shows. He made many friends with others who owned classic cars.
He also had a special fondness for Bassett Hound dogs, of which he had a large memorabilia collection. He was an amazing cook and loved hosting holidays and social gatherings of which he was always the life of the party. He also loved guns, football, food and beer. Most of all, Jay loved his family dearly and was a big part of each one of their lives. He cherished the time the family could spend together.
We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them.
Funeral services for Jay Best will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
