The funeral service for Gerald Dee Best, age 76, will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Carrell Still officiating.  Burial will be in Covington Cemetery, with arrangements by Anderson-Burris Funeral Home.  Visitation with the family will be Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

    He was born to Clarence William and Mable Carey (Downing) Best on August 14, 1932, on a farm north of Nash, and died Saturday, January 24, 2009, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid.

    Gerald grew up in Gore, and attended school there.  He then served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  On September 12, 1958, he married Jo Ann Bateman at the First Christian Church in Thomas, and they made their home in Enid. He was a trucker for over fifty years, working for several companies. He retired from Don Co. Carries of Oklahoma City.  He also owned and operated his own truck.  Gerald was honored by the American Trucking Association for one million miles accident-free.  His greatest love was his family.  He was a loving and giving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to all.  Gerald’s hobbies were fishing, working in his yard, and tools.

    He is survived by his wife JoAnn of the home; one daughter, Kimberly Dee’An (Best) Stephens and her husband Freddy of Enid; two grandchildren, Freddy Lewis Stephens II and Shandell Schacher and husband Justin; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Coletin Schacher; one brother, Larry M. Best of Florida; and one sister, Lois Fern Hooley of Enid.

    Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Eldon, Floyd and Thomas Best.

    Memorials may be made through the funeral home to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.