Charles "Chuck" Franklin Best, Jr. passed away on the 22nd of October, 2022. He was his typical enthusiastic and energetic self to the end.

We thank the staff and wonderful programs and activities at Brentwood as they helped fulfill him in the last few months.

Chuck was born to Dorothy and Charles Best in Newark, Ohio, on November 27, 1928.

Throughout his youth, Chuck was always an explorer, daredevil, and athlete. The latter allowed a career in athletic based competition, business ventures, and ultimately as part of his profession.

Chuck earned the level of Eagle Scout and developed a passion for tumbling and gymnastics and became a nationally recognized prepster, which prompted him to join the United States Army in 1946. He served in the Japanese theater in Sendai, Japan.

While in the Army, he proudly was a member of the 188th 11th airborne parachute infantry. While receiving an honorable discharge later, it was well documented that Chuck accumulated over 100 jumps in his military service.

Upon returning stateside, Chuck met and then married the love of his life, Bonita "Bonnie" L. Cook in Cambridge, Ohio. They married in the summer of 1949 where they embarked on starting a family and growing a long life together. Chuck and Bonnie remained married and together for 73 years.

Chuck is survived by Bonnie, his wife, and was most proud and devoted to his family, where he was lovingly known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Popo."

He was preceded in death by his son, Charles "Chuck" V. Best.

Additional survivors include his three children and spouses, Gary and Becky Best, Larry and Lori Best, and Susie and Jerry Eakle. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lance Best, Melanie Best, Kyle Best, Rachel Alvarez, Jena Alamo, Andrew Eakle, and Kaley Ostrowski and eleven great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Jalyn, Kalyn, Freya, Charles James, Jaiden, Charissa, Taylen, Jaxson, Asher, and Avery.

Spurred on by achievements in athletics and physical fitness, Chuck owned and operated his own trampoline center, had his own daily TV show "The Best Exercise Show," and was active as diving coach at Elkhart Central as well the University of Notre Dame.

He was proud and could recite the names of all he coached that went on to be eventual national champions.

His true professional enjoyment came from an early engagement in the 1960s with the YMCA Corporation.

This affiliation eventually brought him to Elkhart, Indiana, where he enjoyed many years as the Executive Director at Elkhart's YMCA.

Throughout the 70's and 80's, Chuck developed relationships with Elkhart's business leaders, especially as it concerned and promoted his philanthropy with the United Way.

He and Bonnie were later able to enjoy some 25+ years in their winter home in Arizona with friends, family, and his passion for wildlife and his love of the outdoors. He had a very full and wonderful life.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 3-7 p.m. at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516.

Funeral services and military honors will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior.

Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

IndianaWildlife: https:indianawildlife.org/membership/donate

Arizona Wildlife: https://www.azwildlifehero.com/support-us