Howard Wallace Best, 87, Oakes, ND
1919 - 2006
Howard Wallace Best, 87, of Oakes, N.D., died suddenly on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at the Oakes Community Hospital. He was the father of Lori Dawkins of Fergus Falls.
The son of Wallace and Sarah (Oxtoby) Best, he was born on July 8, 1919, on the family farm southeast of Oakes where he grew up and attended school. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Sequoia National Park in California.
Howard was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 19, 1942, serving his country during World War II. During his service he was stationed on the Umnak Islands, Aleutian Islands, in England, France and Germany, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his service.
He was united in marriage to Evelyn Bergman on Nov. 9, 1946, at Britton, S.D. The couple lived and farmed for 33 years in the Oakes area where Howard was also a rural mail carrier. He continued to carry mail after retiring from farming, until August of 1985.
After his retirement Howard enjoyed traveling with Evelyn and refinishing furniture. He was well known in Oakes for his daily walks around town.
Howard was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America and the American Legion. He served on the Oakes School Board, was an active member of the United Methodist Men’s Brotherhood, the Dickey County Historical Society and the Oakes Enhancement Group.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn, of Oakes; three children: Noreen (Lyle) Hankel, of Oakes, Lynn (Debbie) Best, of Bismarck, and Lori (Leon) Dawkins, of Fergus Falls; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and five sisters.
The online guestbook for Howard can be signed at dahlstromfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: Monday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home
Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church, Oakes
Clergy: Rev. Steve Olson
Burial: Oakes View Cemetery, Oakes
Funeral home: Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Oakes