Howard Duane Best, the first-born child, was born November 9, 1949, in Lewistown, Montana to Calvin and Ellen (Luther) Best. Howard attended elementary school on Miles Avenue and Burlington Avenue in Billings. His middle school years began at Lewis & Clark Middle School in Billings. He attended his freshman and sophomore year at West High School in Billings. In 1966, they moved to Great Falls, MT where Howard played on the CM Russell High School Varsity Football Team as a Junior. While living in Great Falls, MT, Howard met his life long best friend, Gordie Caldwell. No matter the time or milestones that had gone by in either of their lives, they were always able to pick up right where they left off. A once in a lifetime friendship through thick and thin. The family moved to Logan, UT just prior to his senior year of high school when his dad was promoted in the Firestone Corporation. Howard again played on the Logan High School Varsity Football Team, graduating high school in 1968.
On July 22, 1968, following high school graduation, Howard enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He attended basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He served offshore during the Vietnam War, working search and rescue operations from December 1971 through May 1972. Ranked as Sergeant, Howard was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp on May 26, 1972.
He returned to Billings following his military service where he began working for Firestone. Howard and his cousin, TJ Jewel, lived the elaborate bachelor life in a single wide trailer. Howard was briefly married to Victoria Roth in 1973.
In 1975, while working for Agri Systems, Howard was building a new swine complex at EB Ranch southwest of Broadus, MT. While working there Howard met Helen Wilson and her daughter Stephanie. Howard and Helen were married on December 27th, 1975. Howard later adopted Stephanie on September 12th, 1977. Their son, Lincoln Todd, was born on September 23, 1977.
Howard and Helen resided and worked alongside the Wilson Family at the EB Ranch from 1975 until the summer of 1996. Howard took up, fought for, served on and supported many causes while they lived in Powder River County, including the Powder River Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, Powder River Healthcare Association, Powder River County Fair & Fairboard, Powder River Congregational Church- serving as Chairman on the Board of Directors, Broadus Men’s Bowling League, Broadus Men’s Softball League, Northern Plains Resource Council, Powder River Outfitters Guide, Powder River Wagon Train, PRCDHS Activity Bus Drivers and Water Conservation/Quality of the Powder River Board. During this time, Howard and Helen along with Gary and Kay Baker, purchased Broadus Drug and renamed it Cottonwood Pharmacy. To which they ran this business successfully for several years before selling out to Larry & Blondie Woolston. Howard also maintained an active pilot’s license until his late 40’s.
In the summer of 1996, Howard and Helen moved to Miles City, MT where they built a new home on some acreage overlooking Sunday Creek. Howard worked nearly 20 years as a salesman for John & Ethana Zumpf at Horizon Equipment, he eventually went on to manage the business even after it was bought out by C&B Operations, Inc. Howard also worked at T&E Equipment of Billings for 2 years, Rolling Rubber, Wacker Farms, Miles City Insurance Services as a general crop adjuster and most recently as a driver for Stabler Car Service. Helen and Howard divorced in 2004. Howard remained at the residence on Sunday Creek.
On July 21st, 2006, Howard married Jennifer Licht and he welcomed Jennifer’s two daughters Megan & Kylee into his life where they continued to make their home on Sunday Creek for the next 16 years. They enjoyed their evening bowling leagues, attending Megan & Kylee’s sporting events, fishing and camping whenever they could get away.
Howard was well involved in community organizations in Miles City as well. Serving on the Holy Rosary Healthcare Association Board, the Miles City Chamber Ag Council, Miles City Club, Miles City Bowling League, and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.
Howard was a very talented man. He put his heart and soul into whatever project or cause he took on. He was supportive and devoted to his children and grandchildren. Howard was an avid fisherman, master grill chef, carpenter, public speaker, and athlete.
Howard moved in with his daughter Stephanie and her husband Kyle in August of 2022 after Howard’s health started to deteriorate this spring. On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Howard joined his father and son for a stellar fishing trip, while his mother waited anxiously to cook their catches of the day. He had valued time with family at the very end.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Ellen; son Lincoln Best; and father-in-law J.L. Wilson.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer Best and her daughters Megan (Josh) Toennis & Patrick, Kylee (Jake Toennis) Licht; his daughter Stephanie (Kyle) Cooper; grandchildren Josie (Chantz Lambert) Morris and Coy Morris; his sister Kay (Scott) Haight, nephew Lee (Jamie) Baker; niece Erin (Scott) Jackson; great nephews and nieces Calvin, Kaylee, Lincoln, and Elizabeth Baker. He is also survived by Dick & Connie Wilson and family, Lee & Marilyn Wilson and family, Phyllis Wilson and Cody Morris, all who continued to think of Howard as family all these years.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Tuesday, August 30th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scramble For A Cure. Donations can be made payable and sent to: Cancer Fund Attn: Tyler Gardner, 20 Gardner Rd. Ashland, MT 59003.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Ginger says
Jen, Stephanie and families–
Being a usually wordy person, not many words can come forth right now. We’re just never ready for this time, losing a spouse or a parent. No matter how young or old we are, it still is one of the hardest things to endure. Hopes of much comfort and quick peace, and love to you and yours at this difficult time.
Andrea and Vern Rice says
Jen, Steph and family, our deepest condolences and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Kelli Klein says
Thoughts and prayers to you Jen and family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Peggy and Chuck Steadman says
Thinking of and your family!
Lori Clark says
This saddens me I really enjoyed Howard. Such a sweet man. Prayers for his family.
Kris and Kerry says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your family. God bless.🙏
Jerry and Gayle says
Jen,
We are thinking or you in this sad time, you don.t know when you are called. just remember the good times. praying for your family and God bless.
Jerry and Gayle says
Jen,
We are thinking or you in this sad time, you don.t know when you are called. just remember the good times.and God bless.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Jen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Howard was a good man. Always remember “When A Loved Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Howard will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories and they will help with difficult times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with all.
Joyce Raschkow says
Alvin and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Jen and family:
Our heart and prayers go out to you at this time. Keep all those wonderful memories close.
Vanna Byrd says
I’m so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. My condolences to his entire family.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to Howard’s family.
Curt and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss.
Brian & Peggy (Quinlan) Certain says
Jennifer and family,
Our deepest condolences on your great loss.
Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with you.
LaRae Tangen says
Jennifer and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tracy (Graveley)Hein & Dennis Hein says
Jen, Steph, Kay, and families;
I was so surprised when I heard that Howard had passed, so very sad for your families’s great loss. He will be missed. Just know that all of you are in my thoughts cousins.
Love you all
Connie and Ron Watts says
Jen, Stephanie and families—forever treasure the times you had with this wonderful man—such a fun person!! He was a friend to all he met. Our times together and our friendship will always be treasured!!
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Jen and family
So sorry for your loss! Deb & Bob
Mike and Tammy Pecha says
Jen and family so sorry for your loss.
Lynelle Graveley Okuhara says
It is always a sad day to say good-bye to someone we loved so very much. I am grateful knowing that Howard is no longer in pain. May we all remember the life he lived and all the people he touched so dearly and deeply. From the cousins in Hawai’i we send our love. A hui hou. Howard.
Kathy and Bruce Ziebarth says
Condolences to everyone who was fortunate to know this wonderful man. He will be missed!
Kathy and Jim Bowers says
So sorry for your loss. May God be with your family.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Thoughts, hugs and prayers to all of Howard’s family. He will be missed deeply.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
Jennifer and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Jennif Stephanie & family
We are so saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. Just know that you & your families are in our thoughts & prayers. Hugs & prayers, Our sincere condolences & God Bless!
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Jen, Stephanie & family
We are so saddened to hear of Howard’s passing. Just know that you & your families are in our thoughts & prayers. Hugs & prayers, Our sincere condolences & God Bless!
Dan and Lisa Lynch says
To Howards Family, Thinking of you during this time. Condolences to his entire family.
Linda Quiroz says
Jen and family, so sorry for your loss
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Jen, Megan, Kylee, Stephanie and families,
Sending love and prayers to all of you during this heartbreaking, sad time. Howard was a great guy and a pillar of the community, and he will be missed by so many! And oh, cherish all the fond memories!
Bernice Rolfson says
So sorry for your loss . Howard was a go getter. Prayers for your family at this difficult time.
Dennis and Meredith Hirsch says
So sorry for your loss he was a great person
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Jen, Steph & Family,
We are so sad to hear of Howard’s passing. Just know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless!
Linda and Dale Marcil says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Frank Tooke says
Howard was a great contributor to the community and the area. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Jack says
RIP Howard! I will always remember you for wearing a cowboy hat and a dog giving you a kiss. You were always a very nice Howard and always were nice to dogs. Rest easy old cowboy
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Jen, Kylee, Megan, Stephanie & all of Howard’s Family,
Thinking of all of you on this sad day, remembering a great guy and pillar of our community.
Cherish your Special memories, and he will be missed by so many! God bless you all.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Our sincere condolences, Jen, and all of Howard’s family at this sad time. Howard was a great guy and a pillar of our community, and will be missed by so many!
Lynelle Graveley Okuhara says
Was a sad day to hear about Howard’s passing. I am so grateful he is no longer in pain. He was so loved by all of us. His family here in Hawai’i send our love and prayers to all of you. A hui hou, Howard.
Gail Ivestee says
So sorry to hear about your loss. He always had a smile on his face and a witty word to say. Condolences to the family !! Howard will be missed through the community.