Howard Best

Howard Duane Best, the first-born child, was born November 9, 1949, in Lewistown, Montana to Calvin and Ellen (Luther) Best. Howard attended elementary school on Miles Avenue and Burlington Avenue in Billings. His middle school years began at Lewis & Clark Middle School in Billings. He attended his freshman and sophomore year at West High School in Billings. In 1966, they moved to Great Falls, MT where Howard played on the CM Russell High School Varsity Football Team as a Junior. While living in Great Falls, MT, Howard met his life long best friend, Gordie Caldwell. No matter the time or milestones that had gone by in either of their lives, they were always able to pick up right where they left off. A once in a lifetime friendship through thick and thin. The family moved to Logan, UT just prior to his senior year of high school when his dad was promoted in the Firestone Corporation. Howard again played on the Logan High School Varsity Football Team, graduating high school in 1968.

On July 22, 1968, following high school graduation, Howard enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He attended basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He served offshore during the Vietnam War, working search and rescue operations from December 1971 through May 1972. Ranked as Sergeant, Howard was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp on May 26, 1972.

He returned to Billings following his military service where he began working for Firestone. Howard and his cousin, TJ Jewel, lived the elaborate bachelor life in a single wide trailer. Howard was briefly married to Victoria Roth in 1973.

In 1975, while working for Agri Systems, Howard was building a new swine complex at EB Ranch southwest of Broadus, MT. While working there Howard met Helen Wilson and her daughter Stephanie. Howard and Helen were married on December 27th, 1975. Howard later adopted Stephanie on September 12th, 1977. Their son, Lincoln Todd, was born on September 23, 1977.

Howard and Helen resided and worked alongside the Wilson Family at the EB Ranch from 1975 until the summer of 1996. Howard took up, fought for, served on and supported many causes while they lived in Powder River County, including the Powder River Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, Powder River Healthcare Association, Powder River County Fair & Fairboard, Powder River Congregational Church- serving as Chairman on the Board of Directors, Broadus Men's Bowling League, Broadus Men's Softball League, Northern Plains Resource Council, Powder River Outfitters Guide, Powder River Wagon Train, PRCDHS Activity Bus Drivers and Water Conservation/Quality of the Powder River Board. During this time, Howard and Helen along with Gary and Kay Baker, purchased Broadus Drug and renamed it Cottonwood Pharmacy. To which they ran this business successfully for several years before selling out to Larry & Blondie Woolston. Howard also maintained an active pilot's license until his late 40's.

In the summer of 1996, Howard and Helen moved to Miles City, MT where they built a new home on some acreage overlooking Sunday Creek. Howard worked nearly 20 years as a salesman for John & Ethana Zumpf at Horizon Equipment, he eventually went on to manage the business even after it was bought out by C&B Operations, Inc. Howard also worked at T&E Equipment of Billings for 2 years, Rolling Rubber, Wacker Farms, Miles City Insurance Services as a general crop adjuster and most recently as a driver for Stabler Car Service. Helen and Howard divorced in 2004. Howard remained at the residence on Sunday Creek.

On July 21st, 2006, Howard married Jennifer Licht and he welcomed Jennifer's two daughters Megan & Kylee into his life where they continued to make their home on Sunday Creek for the next 16 years. They enjoyed their evening bowling leagues, attending Megan & Kylee's sporting events, fishing and camping whenever they could get away.

Howard was well involved in community organizations in Miles City as well. Serving on the Holy Rosary Healthcare Association Board, the Miles City Chamber Ag Council, Miles City Club, Miles City Bowling League, and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.

Howard was a very talented man. He put his heart and soul into whatever project or cause he took on. He was supportive and devoted to his children and grandchildren. Howard was an avid fisherman, master grill chef, carpenter, public speaker, and athlete.

Howard moved in with his daughter Stephanie and her husband Kyle in August of 2022 after Howard's health started to deteriorate this spring. On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Howard joined his father and son for a stellar fishing trip, while his mother waited anxiously to cook their catches of the day. He had valued time with family at the very end.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Ellen; son Lincoln Best; and father-in-law J.L. Wilson.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Best and her daughters Megan (Josh) Toennis & Patrick, Kylee (Jake Toennis) Licht; his daughter Stephanie (Kyle) Cooper; grandchildren Josie (Chantz Lambert) Morris and Coy Morris; his sister Kay (Scott) Haight, nephew Lee (Jamie) Baker; niece Erin (Scott) Jackson; great nephews and nieces Calvin, Kaylee, Lincoln, and Elizabeth Baker. He is also survived by Dick & Connie Wilson and family, Lee & Marilyn Wilson and family, Phyllis Wilson and Cody Morris, all who continued to think of Howard as family all these years.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery in Miles City immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scramble For A Cure. Donations can be made payable and sent to: Caner Fund Attn: Tyler Gardner, 20 Gardner Rd. Ashland, MT 59003.