Lewis "Buck" M. Best, 79 of Rochelle, was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at his home. Buck passed away comfortably after a lengthy battle with cancer with his family by his side. He was born on Jan. 11, 1931 in Cash, AR to Raymond Augustus and Alice Mae (Dunn) Best. Buck proudly served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War.
Buck married Patricia Darleen Sitzes on March 21,1970 in Rock Falls, IL. He owned and operated Best Welding and Manufacturing Co. in Rochelle.

Memberships include: Cross Roads Community Church, Rockford Tebala Shrine, and was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Horicon Masonic Lodge #244, life member of VFW Post 3878. Buck's strong values led him to help many people throughout his life. He strongly believed in giving back to the community and made many contributions to local organizations. Kishwaukee Community College honored him for his contributions to higher education and advisory services
and in 1986-87, he was designated Industry of the Year by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife: Darleen of Rochelle; son: Charles W. Barnett of Grand Detour, IL;
daughters: Julie A. (Terrence) Mendyk of Spring Grove, IL, Melinda D. (Steven) Chagin of Hinckley, OH, Nancy K. (Joel) Russell of Rochelle, and Valesia M. (Jason Bunger) Best of
Cortland, IL; sister: Juanita "Sally" Wortham of Jonesboro, AR; 10 grandchildren and 4 great
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: William Bradford and
Harvey Bradford; and a daughter Karen R. Barnett.

Visitation will be at Unger-Horner Funeral Home from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, April 15, 2010
in Rochelle. Family funeral services will be held Friday. Burial at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle with military services by VFW Post 3878.