Paul Rheuben Best, 90, of Parker, formerly of St. Petersburg, died peacefully Monday morning, November 28, 2016 at the Parker Personal Care Home. 

            He was born in St. Petersburg on September 2, 1926 to the late Rod Ezra and Ethel Mary (Dunkle) Best. 

            Paul attended St. Petersburg High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He served from December 1, 1944 until his honorable discharge on September 28, 1946, after attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.    He was stationed throughout the Pacific Theater, Philippine Islands and the Occupation of Japan, serving with the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division.

            He was a former member of the Foxburg American Legion and attended the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church. 

            Mr. Best was employed as a maintenance foreman with Oilwell Supply Company in Oil City for 39 years, retiring in 1986. 

            Paul and his wife enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Ruskin, Florida.  He enjoyed family picnics and dinners, taking care of his home, and spending time with his family.

            He was married in Parker on March 4, 1949 to the former Pearl M. Callender, and she survives.  They celebrated  67 years of marriage.

            Also surviving are two sons, Larry Best and his wife Donna of Acworth, Georgia, and James Best and his wife Kathy of Emlenton;  five grandchildren, Julie Rape and her husband Bryan of Acworth, Georgia,  Jesse Best of Pittsburgh, Tyler Best and his wife Kim of Franklin, Shayla Kerlin and her husband Aaron of Turkey City, and Dr. Jabe Best and his wife Gretchen of San Diego, California; and nine great-grandchildren:  Vanessa Thomas, Brianna, McKenzie, and Alexa Rape, Veva Best, Quinton Kerlin, Carter and Kennedy Best, and Frances Pearl Best. 

            Paul is also survived by two sisters, Helen Wetzel of Emlenton and June Flemming of Parker; a brother, Harold "Dick" Best of California, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Best; and six sisters, Blanch Ketner, Ruth Garris, Lottie Reed, Grace Garris, Mary Garris, and Mable Chaffee. 

            A private funeral service will be held for the family.  Full military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. 

            Interment will follow in St. Petersburg Cemetery. 

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care, 240 Pullman Square, Suite 255, Butler, PA 16001; Parker Personal Care Home, 103 Seward St., Parker, PA 16049; or to a charity of one's choice. 

            Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca. 

            To express condolences to the family online, please visit www.hilebest.com

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