Charles Robert Best

Charles Robert (Bob) Best, 87, of Lafayette, Indiana was called Home on July 29, 2024. Dad was born on February 5, 1937, to Delbert E. and Esther K. Smith Best. We know he is happy reuniting with his parents. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955 and joined the Indiana National Guard serving for 9 and a half years. He worked full time at Fairfield and started an apprenticeship with IBEW in 1957, where he spent 44 years as a Union Electrician. He retired in 2001 and was a Union Member for 60 years. While he was working as an Electrician, he would come home after a long day at work and head to the fields working till dark. We remember taking meals to him in the field, where many lifetime memories were made. After retiring from IBEW, he worked at DeFouw Chevrolet as a driver and recently retired on July 25, 2024.
Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Taylor, on September 25, 1960. They spent 63 beautiful years together raising their four daughters, who, along with mom, survive him: Suzie (Karl) Jero, Rhonda (Steve) Hasseld, Nancy Beeler and Connie Best.
Dad was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church, serving the Lord till his passing. For 48 years, he was a member of the Dayton Masonic Lodge, and served as worshipful master on 3 different occasions. He was also a member of Sheffield Fire Department for 15 years. He enjoyed tinkering around the farm, woodworking, and gardening. He enjoyed growing eggplants just to see how big they could get. He loved cooking, collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes. He also enjoyed traveling, which took dad and mom out west 8 times. It was one of their favorite places to see. However, he was happiest when spending time with his family and watching his grandkids get dirty around the farm they built together.
Dad always had a quick-witted sense of humor, and a silly saying for everything. He occasionally changed words to songs so much, we were never sure of the correct version. We have so many memories that will stick with us forever, and we find ourselves passing many of his fun sayings on to our own children. Some might call them “Charlie-isms!”
Along with his wife and daughters, he is also survived by 10 grandchildren. Taylor (Heather) Jero, Kendall (Ashleigh) Jero, Abby Beeler (Leah Morris), Trevor Beeler, Brooklyn Beeler, Cami (Evan) Nolan, Austin (Perla Northcutt) Hasseld, Cassidy (Chipper) Dowell, Josie (Tim) Sebald, and Emmie Barter. He was also blessed to be a great grandpa to 12 great grandchildren.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his 3 siblings and their spouses: Marjorie (John) Deeming, Donald (Esther) Best and Mary (Roy) Henson) and his mother and father-in-law: Martin J. Taylor and Helen Marie Bailey Taylor.
If we were in trouble, Mom would say, “Wait till your dad gets home!” Well, Dad, you are Home, and you are missed terribly! We love you!!
Visitation will be Monday August 12, 2024, from 5pm-8pm Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel with Masonic Rites at 7:30pm. Funeral service Tuesday August 13, 2024, at 10 am at Grace United Methodist Church Rev. Jennifer Lewis officiating. Interment at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens.
You may leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com