John Paul Best

He was born June 17, 1932 in Beardstown, IL to Paul and Juanita (Robinson) Best. He married Mary Anne Davis in 1950. He later married Jewell Rawls on January 13, 1996 and she preceded him in death in 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Phyllis Childers and Loretta Gjerde, and a stepdaughter, Mary Ellen Seay.

Surviving are six children, Kathy Best of Houston, TX, John (Judy) Best of Edwardsville, IL, Sue (Jerry) Hinch of Menominee, MI, Debbie Best of Peoria, Cindy (Dave) Knight of Ramona, CA, and Becky (Mark) Johnson of St. Paul, MN. Also surviving are three stepchildren, Michelle (Tracy) Johnson of Germantown Hills, Rick and Belen (Logan) Dial of St. Louis, MO and Brenda Seay of St. Louis, MO, many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and very precious friends, Pat Palanza and Wes and Linda Read.

John owned and operated Best Painting and Decorating Company in Peoria and was known for quality work and customer service to his many loyal customers. An avid tennis player and member of River City Tennis Club, John competed in tournaments locally as well as in Arizona. He was a lifelong athlete and Golden Glove Champion. He volunteered his time to causes he believed in: adult literacy, hospice and food banks. Music was a passion for John who shared that love with his children. He loved singing, dancing and performing in community theatre and his barbershop quartet. He enjoyed playing pinochle, euchre and bridge in several area card clubs. Most notably though John protected, provided for and fiercely loved his close family and friends.

A private family celebration of life will be held at Springdale Cemetery with inurnment to follow the service. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton is in charge of the arrangement.

Memorials may be made to Northwoods Community Church Mission Fund. Online condolences can be submitted to www.woosley-wilton.com.