Duane Roger Best, born February 6, 1941, passed away peacefully at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Hospice Unit in Tampa, FL on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 10:15pm.

Duane was born in Warren, Ohio and was the first of 6 children to have been born in a hospital setting. He was a graduate of Howland High School, class of 1959, where he ran track and lettered four years in a row playing on the basketball team. He attended Bowling Green State University and played basketball alongside Nate Thurman. He transferred to Youngstown State University and was drafted into the Army shortly after. He served as an auto mechanic for the motor pool in Korea and was then transferred to Fort Myer, Virginia where he served in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). He was a patriot to the very end who loved his country and was proud to serve.

When Duane returned to Warren, Ohio he worked for General Motors before joining the family business, Best Auto Service, in the position of head mechanic. He continued to give back to his community by working as a volunteer fire fighter with the Howland Fire Department. Upon moving to Florida in 1992, Duane became the manager of Southern Charm RV Resort in Zephyrhills, Florida. He loved cruising around the world, vacationing in his motor home, and playing the card game, Joker, with his friends. Duane had an affection for old cars and motorcycles. The first car he owned was a 1947 Plymouth Coupe that became known as the infamous "Green Mouse" around town. Duanes affinity for travel began at the young age of 10, when he ventured out on a bicycle trip from Warren to Sandusky, Ohio.

Duanes zest and zeal for life was evident in all he did, his positive demeanor was infectious to anyone who encountered him. When anyone asked him about his last name, he would always say, "Theres nothing better than the Best!". Duane was a true Buckeye at heart. He loved Buckeye football and college basketball.

Duane was a wonderful husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He leaves behind a very close-knit family, who will deeply miss him, including his wife of 49 years, Suzanne Best, his brother David and his wife Barbara Best, his son Michael and his wife Marina Best, his son Jon Best, his daughter Kristen and her husband Troy Jansen, and his 7 grandchildren, Gabrielle, Mitchell, Julia, Jacqueline, Mya, Angelo, and Jon M.D. He recently learned his first great-grandchild would be arriving soon. He loved his family dearly and was so proud of each and every one of them.

Duane was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Agnes Best, his father, Otis William Best, his brother Roderick William Best and his wife Shirley Best, and three brothers who perished shortly after their births.

A memorial service is being scheduled at Bushnell National Cemetery with the date and time TBA.