Alvin E. Best's Obituary
Alvin Best Obituary
Columbus Grove, Ohio Alvin Eugene "Al" Best, 82, died at 11:25 pm on Monday, November 10, 2014, at The Meadows of Kalida. He was born on September 22, 1932, near Columbus Grove, to Gerald and Josephine (Sehlhorst) Best, who preceded him in death. Mr. Best was a graduate of Glandorf High School, class of 1950, where he played center on the basketball team. He was in the very first band that was formed at Glandorf High School. Thru his musical career, he played the same tenor saxophone he started with as a high school freshman, in 1946. Alvin was a long time farmer and a musician. He was the leader of the Al Best Band for sixty years. Long time band members included, Dale Detrick, 53 years; Sid Goodkin, 44 years; Denny Ricker, 30 + years and Dick Zunkiewicz, 20 + years. His memberships included St. Anthony's Catholic Church, where he was a member of the original men's choir and the current choir. He was a member and Vice President of the American Federation of Musicians Union. He belonged to the Sons of the American Legion, Columbus Grove, Glandorf Rod and Gun Club, and the Eagles Aerie #370, Lima. Alvin is survived by his sister, Mary Margaret Schroeder, Glandorf; sister in-law, Jean Best, Delphos; brother in-law, Richard Shalter, Continental; nieces and nephews, Curtis Best, Beverly Hughes, Valerie Best, Barbara Best, Martha Lorraine Wieging, Rex Shalter, Jane Romes, Carol Brandau, John Shalter, Bruce Shalter, Ted Shalter, Ned Schroeder, Lynn Karhoff, Jill Marko, Gwen Schroeder, Brent Schroeder and Kirk Schroeder. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Ralph Best, sister, Dorothy Shalter, a brother in-law, Fred Schroeder and a nephew Dean Shalter. Services will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, November 14, 2014, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Columbus Grove. Rev. Tom Extejt will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Church Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, November 13, 2014, from 2:00-8:00pm at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, where there will be a scripture service at 8:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Church or to St. Anthony School Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at hartmansonsfuneralhome.com
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