Merrill Eddie Best Jr.

SENECA, S.C. -- Merrill Eddie Best Jr., 73, a longtime resident of McCook, died Monday (Dec. 30, 2002) in Westminister, S.C.

He was born Dec. 31, 1928, in Denver, Colo., to Etta May (Henderson) and Merrill E. Best Sr.

On March 10, 1945, he married Darlene E. Blume in Atwood. They owned and operated Best Floral and Merrill's Greenhouses in McCook for more than 30 years. He retired to the South in 1989, finally making Seneca, S. C., his home in retirement.

On Oct. 10, 1996, he married Shirley Elizabeth Johnson of Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Darlene in 1977.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Elizabeth Best of Seneca, S.C.; five sons, Jimmy Best and wife, Brenda, of Blue Springs, Mo., Richard Best and wife, Helen of Mechanicsville, Md., Bryon Best and wife, Gail of McCook, Ronald Best and significant friend Shelly of Blue Springs, Mo., and Gregory Best and wife, Leigh of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Carol Best of Kearney and Sharon and husband, Stephen Conroy of McCook; a brother Harold Best and wife, Chioko of Clovis, N. M.; 13 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were today, at the Davenport Funeral Home in Wahallah, S.C..

Local funeral services will be Monday, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with the Rev. Gary Brethour officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The casket will not be open.

Memorials may be left in his name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.