Verl R. Best, age 80 of Starke, passed away, Friday, August 3, 2012 at Haven Hospice E. T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born April 21, 1932 in Watertown, South Dakota to the late, Vann Ralph and Alma Thurine (Nelson) Best. Mr. Best was a veteran of the U.S. Army Guard, the U.S. Navy and the Air Force, from which he retired. He served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In his spare time, he enjoyed puzzles, fishing, observing birds and most of all, spending time with his family. Mr. Best was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood and the VFW. He also was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Starke, where he served as an usher. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Vanell Zwieg and 4 brothers, Alvan Best, Carl Best, Jerry Best and William Best. Mr. Best is survived by his wife of 57 years, Connie Best, his children, Ronnie Beck and husband, Richard, Robbie Best and wife, Janet, Marty Best and wife, Marney all of Starke and Tina Bassett and husband, Mike of Middleburg, 3 sisters, Weltha Redlin of Rosemount, Minnesota, Amber Johnson and husband, Harvey of Evanston, Wyoming and Geraldine Walkin of Ogden, Utah, 9 grandchildren, Elaine Henley and husband, Stephen, Wayne Murray, Christina Bassett, Josh Bassett, Holly Tew and husband, Michael, Jessica Best, Rachel Best, Jonathan Best and David Best and 4 great-grandchildren, Valerie Murray, Ayden Henley, Emme Henley and Avery Murray.Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Starke with Pastor Mike Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Crosby Lake Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mr. Bests memory to Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606 or to the United Methodist Youth Fund, P.O. Box 157 Starke Florida 32091.Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com. hide