Arland "Red" Ray Best

Lilah Crowe2023-02-23T14:44:32-06:00

Name: Arland "Red" Ray Best
Location of Birth: Minco, Oklahoma
Date of Birth: November 30, 1916
Date of Death: March 16, 2003 (86 years old)
Parents: Everett Best and Nellie (Underwood) Best
High School and Class:
College:
Highest Rank: AMM1 (Aviation Machinist's Mate - First Class Petty Officer)
Branch: Navy
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: August 17, 1942 (Enlistment Date)
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge: November 16, 1946 (Discharge Date)
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
Information in the United States, World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947:
Name: Arland Ray Best
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 23
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: November 30, 1916
Birth Place: El Reno, Oklahoma, USA
Residence Place: El Reno, Canadian, Oklahoma, USA
Registration Date: October 16, 1940
Registration Place: El Reno, Canadian, Oklahoma, USA
Employer: El Reno Motor Company
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 140
Complexion: Ruddy
Hair Color: Red
Eye Color: Brown
Next of Kin: Mrs. John Dockal (aunt)

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
"Red" married Dorothy Doran in Pensacola, Florida while both were in the Armed Forces. Following the war, he moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He worked for 30 years for United States Steel and retired as a lab technician in 1979. He owned and operated Best Trailer Court in Grand Rapids, Minnesota since the late 1950's.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; three daughters, Sandie (Russ) Helgeson, Barbara (Ted), and Deborah Best (Tom Strommer); three sons, Robert, Daniel, and William (Ellen); and twelve grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-C-06-0-9)

Tribal Affiliation(s):