William W. Best, 97, of Nappanee, Ind., passed away at 3 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, at his residence. 

He was born March 7, 1919, in Nappanee, to William C. and Idola (Weisser) Best. He was a lifetime area resident.

He was a 1935 graduate of Nappanee High School and served in the Army Air Corp during World War II, serving in Sicily, Italy, and North Africa.

He was a retired meat cutter in the Nappanee area. He was a member of Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Nappanee, and an ambassador volunteer at the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce. Bill was a member of the Nappanee Noon Kiwanis and a former member of the Nappanee Tree Board. He was a distinguished member of the Nappanee American Legion for over 70 years. He was a member and past president of the Nappanee Friend’s of the Library, where he helped start Spring Into Art. 

He was a mentor at Woodview Elementary School and a volunteer at the Nappanee Elementary School. He loved to travel, especially to Paris, London and Belgium. He also enjoyed fine dining. He was considered the number one Pacer fan for many years.

Bill married Irene E. Speheger on Nov. 21, 1954, in Nappanee. She died on March 6, 1988. He married Kristine Lekich on June 27, 1992.

He is survived by his wife: Kristine Best; step daughters: Diane Meyer Simon, Montecito, Calif.; and Stephanie (Ryan) Gibbs, Avondale, Ariz.; grandchildren: Sarah Simon, Rachel (Hale) Simon Stuart, Asher Simon, Robert Gibbs; and a great-grandchild: Zara Simon Stuart.

He was preceded in death by a brother: Richard Best.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Nappanee. Pastor Terry Tyler will officiate. Burial will follow at South Union Cemetery with military graveside services.