Max L. Best ,73, of Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away on September 11, 2006 after battling heart and kidney disease.
Max was born in Charleston Illinois, November 11th, 1932. He grew up in Lerna and Decatur Illinois, graduated from Decatur High School in 1950. Max achieved rank of Corporal in the Army, honorably discharged in 1955.
He married Mary F. Burgener on February 19th 1955 in a double wedding with her sister: Barbara Burgener Kisters (d. 1999) He started his career at Montgomery Wards in Decatur in 1950 and progressed through the ranks to Store Manager, a position he held until 1989 at various locations throughout the Midwest. Max was a store Manager at Rhodes Furniture in North Carolina and Georgia and worked at several other furniture stores in the South Florida Area.
Max converted to Catholicism and was active in his faith and charities through various chapters of the Knights of Columbus for over 51 years. He was an active member of the Kiwanis, Elks, American Legion clubs and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Iron Mountain Michigan. Max and Mary retired to Hutchinson Island/Fort Pierce in 1999 fulfilling their lifelong dream of living on the ocean. They walked the beach and fished the inter-coastal waters in their pontoon boat in between cruises and trips. After his health started to decline they made the decision to move inland to Spring Hill, Florida.

Max is survived by wife Mary F. Best (Spring Hill, FL) daughters Michelle Best (Spring Hill, FL) and Stephanie Best (Sedalia, MO) and son John Thomas Best (Ottumwa, IA) daughter-in-law Kimberly Jo Best, grandchildren, Corey Bush, Kristy Best, JJ Best, Jordon Best, Kassidy Best, Tyler and Autum Cummings, and great-grandchildren Corey Bush, Jr. and Donivan Bush; his sister Dottie Kuppler and brother-in-law Larry Kuppler (Sun City, AZ). He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Byron Best.

Max was a mischievous and kind soul who had success in career, family, and friends. He loved experiencing new places, cultures, food, and friends. He leaves a hole in our lives that we hope to fill with memories of his sense of humor and his good natured exploits. He taught us so much throughout our lives: Art, music, history, camping, wood working, travel, business, and wildlife were some of his many passions. He made lifelong friends wherever he went and maintained a twinkle in his eye and his sense of humor even while he was in pain during his hospital stays. We were lucky to have him as brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. We will miss him but know him to be at peace with the world and God.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2006 at the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, 201 East Van Allen Street, Tuscola, IL, with Father Barry Harmon as celebrant. No Visitation will be held. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood, IL. The Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL, is handling the local arrangements.