John Patrick Best

January 13, 1953 - January 19, 2021

John Patrick Best, age 68, of Edwardsville, IL, ascended into the Kingdom of God on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 12:35 am. John was born in Beardstown, IL on January 13, 1953, the son of late Mary Anne (Chuck) Davis Green and John Paul (Jewell) Best. John married his wife of 29 years, Judith Early Best on June 29, 1991, in Evanston, IL. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Joseph Claude Best and Jackson Claude Best along with his five sisters: Kathleen Best, Suzanne (Jerry) Hinch, Deborah Kay Best, Cynthia Jane Best, and Rebecca Marie (Mark) Johnson. John obtained his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and soon after received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law. After working as an attorney for several years, John answered the Lord’s calling and attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, graduating in 1989 and marrying Judith whom he met there. Throughout his life, John pastored several congregations, eventually splitting his time between being a full-time attorney for Mears Group Quanta Services, INC., and a part-time pastor for three separate congregations each week. Both positions brought him great joy, working at each for more than 14 years and dedicating his life to excelling at them. He was a tireless worker, passionate about both the law and spreading the Gospel to all whom he crossed paths with. Above all else, however, his greatest passion was supporting and loving his family—never hesitating to do anything for them. Though his life here on earth will be so dearly missed, we know he will always be with us. His love, strength, and wisdom will continue to guide everyone he knew. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Best Family may be made at the link below or sent to Weber & Rodney Funeral Home. Other contributions may be made to The Memorial Fund for New Palestine United Methodist Church, Preston United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, or the John Best Memorial Scholorship Fund at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-john-bests-funeral?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at New Palestine United Methodist Church, 8781 Shawneetown Trail, Walsh, IL 62297 on Saturday, April 3rd at 2pm. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com