Obituary of Merlin BEST

Merlin John Best, 81, passed away December 10, 2002 in Lake Stevens, Washington. He was born on April 24, 1921 in Prescott, Michigan to William and Bertha (Cole) Best.Merlin moved to Washington 2 years ago after residing her in Lake Havasu for 29 years. He was a supervisor for General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan for 30 years.He was a proud veteran in the US Army Air Force during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion #377 in Michigan and the American Legion #81 here in Arizona. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Big Brothers program.Merlin is survived by his brother, Jack Best of Michigan; sisters, Darlene Bowman of Kansas, Lucille Bauer of Missouri, Luella Terrill, Wanda Wise and Marion Wise all of Michigan. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Scott Spitzer Sr., Richard Gifford and Kelly Spitzer and two great grandchildren, Nicole Spitzer and Scott Spitzer Jr.He is preceded in by his wife of 54 years, C. Irene "Bobbie" Best; daughter, Judie Spitzer and his two brothers Clifford and Willis Best.A visitation will be held Friday, December 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. Funeral services will be on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Cecil Bailey officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens.Lake Havasu Baptist Church will be holding a "time of remembrance" during their Sunday School Class at 8:45 AM.The family respectfully asks that donations go to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association.Arrangements were made by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.