May 26, 1930 – Nov. 14, 2003

Carroll A. Best, 73, of Lakewood, Wash., died Nov. 14, 2003.

Mr. Best was born on May 26, 1930, to Alfred A. and Hattie Faye (Williams) Best in Long Creek. His father died when he was 2 1/2 years old.

At age 17 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served at Japan during the Korean Conflict.-He was stationed at Ashyia Air Base with the Air Rescue Squadron for six years. After returning to the states, he was discharged at McCord Field in Tacoma, Wash.-

He married Patricia Coleman in Tacoma, Wash. They lived in Tacoma most of their 50 years together with the exception of two years spent in Prineville. He was employed in the lumber industry.

He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held several offices within the church.

Mr. Best is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Judy Rickards, Barbara Kanta; sons, Ricky and Jimmy Best; and mother, Hattie Williams of Prineville.

He was preceded in death by his father; a stepdaughter, Kathleen; and sister, June Hanson.

Funeral services were held Nov. 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spanaway, Wash.-Interment was at Tacoma National Cemetery.-Fir Lane Funeral Home, Spanaway, Wash., was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.