Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Donald L. Best, 72, of Staunton, Ill., died Monday, May 8, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He was born on April 1, 1951, in Staunton, and was a son of the late Kenneth and Elizabeth Frame Best. He married Linda Hainaut on Nov. 6, 1971, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton, and she survives.

He worked as a coal miner with Monterey Coal Co. #1 in Gillespie for over 30 years and was a member of United Mine Workers Local #1613 (member of the Mine Rescue Team). He was a member of the Staunton Country Club and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton. Don graduated from Staunton High School with the Class of 1969. He loved to travel and loved watching his grandkids play sports. He also enjoyed spending time with his granddogs, Aspen and Copper. He enjoyed cooking and was known for his legendary breakfasts. He was a trivia genius and a jack-of-all-trades.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Best of Staunton; four children, Greg (Sarah) Best of Staunton, Jeannie (Kevin) Hemken of Edwardsville, Brad (Keli) Best of Columbia, Mo., Janey (Joe) Monolo of Staunton; 10 grandchildren, Matt Best, Ryan Best, Nic Hemken, Sydney Hemken, Sam Best, Alec Best, Adriana Monolo, Liam Best, Hudson Monolo, and Kai Monolo; and one brother, Randy Best of Idaho.Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Kenny, Alan, Brian, and Russel Best; one sister, Janet Best; and a niece, Abby Best.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 12, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton with Rev. Thomas Hagstrom officiating. Interment was at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Livingston.

Memorials are suggested to either St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton, Staunton Education Foundation, or to Staunton Sports Boosters. Condolences may be left online at http://www.lesickofuneralhome.com. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston, was in charge of arrangements.