Arland "Red" Ray Best

2023-02-23T14:44:32-06:00
Navy Badge
  • 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):