John M. Best, Sr.

John M. Best, Sr., 83, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family at Ebeid Hospice Care Center on Saturday, November 3, 2012. He was born on April 5, 1929, in Toledo to Archie and Mary Norma Fallon Best. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1948. He worked for many years as a police detective on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish, and for the last 40 years, a member of St. Pius X Parish. In addition to being a choir member in these two parishes, he also sang with St. Catherines choir and the Toledo Diocesan Choir. He held dear his love for his family, his faith, his church, his country, his Irish heritage, and his beloved Detroit Tigers. His passion for singing was clearly evident when he sang The Star Spangled Banner in his rich baritone voice. Also, he was a loyal University of Toledo basketball fan, and he served as vice-president of the West Toledo Mens Democratic Club. He was a man of many talents, especially that of a handyman; he could fix anything and he always had an idea. He was blessed with two happy marriages, first to his cherished wife of 40 years, Catherine Tripodi Best, who preceded him in death, and then to his loving and loyal wife of 21 years, Mildred Todak Hixenbaugh Best, who cared for him until the very last moment. His daughter, Juli Best Hutchisson, preceded him in death, as well as his parents, Archie and Mary Norma; brothers, Ed, Bill, Tom, Jim; and sister, Kathleen Gamble. Surviving are his sons, John Charlotte Best Jr., Patrick Carla Best, Steve Eileen Best, and daughter, Gina Tom Tillander Shiffert; stepsons, Jim Ellen Hixenbaugh and Bill Hixenbaugh; sister, Mary Lou Dick Shortridge; sisters-in-law, Barb Falls and Arlene Best; former daughter-in-law Helen Matt Jozefowicz. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, Kristin Hutchisson, Ellen Matt Mackowiak, Claire Lavelle Edmondson, Patrick Best Jr., Angela Myers, Andrea Benett, Cameron, Lauren, and Ashley Best, and Todd Meghan Hixenbaugh and Ryan Hixenbaugh, and five great-grandchildren, Mark and Ben Mackowiak, Lily and Chloe Edmondson, and Samantha. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed by his family. Visitation will be held at the Walker Funeral Home on Sylvania Avenue from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church at 2950 Ilger. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Church, the National Right to Life Foundation, or to the Toledo Animal Shelter. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Gallagher, Flower Hospital, and the Ebeid Hospice Care Center for the thoughtful care they gave.