Michael Best Obituary

Lawrence - Michael Ray Best, 65, passed away September 13, 2022 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born April 20, 1957 in Larned, Kansas, the son of Robert Lee Best and Virginia Marie (Belcher) Best.

Mike graduated from Larned High School in 1975. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1979. Following graduation, he taught eighth grade history at Pratt Middle School and coached intramural football and wrestling.

On August 2, 1980 he married Elizabeth (Libby) Ann Roth in Larned. They lived in Larned and raised their family there until 2007. During their years in Larned, Mike worked as manager of various departments at Dillons. Mike served on the Larned City Council, Pawnee County Economic Development Committee, Larned Swimming Pool Committee, State Theatre Association Board, 4-H Extension Council, Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee, and Pawnee County Relay for Life. He coached little league and pee-wee baseball.

After relocating to Lawrence, Mike worked for Dillons and most recently retired from HyVee in 2016. He enjoyed attending KU sporting events, playing golf with friends, and spending time with his five grandchildren. He attended River City Church in Lawrence, and he was involved in Family Promise of Lawrence, an organization that helps families in housing crisis achieve and maintain permanent housing. Mike was a devoted husband, son, father, and grandpa.

Survivors include; wife, Elizabeth Best, Lawrence; son, Mark (April) Best, Lawrence; daughter Sarah (Mark) Kohls, Topeka; and five grandchildren, Mason Best, Grayson Kohls, Hannah Kohls, Asher Kohls, and Tenley Kohls. Other survivors include; mother, Virginia Best, Larned; sister, Tracey (Mike) Reynolds, Larned, brother-in-law, Richard (Richelle) Roth, Larned, and multiple nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by; father, Robert Best, brother, Rick Best, and niece, Reanna Roth.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday September 21st at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastor Ryan Webster presiding. Visitation will be Tuesday September 20, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Inurnment will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Family Promise of Lawrence, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.