Donald W. Best passed away peacefully on the morning of Feb 12 after a brief stay in the hospital, St Luke’s East. He will be missed and very fondly remembered by family, friends and a host of civic groups in and around Kansas City.
Don was born on June 1st 1934 in Kansas City to Elton and Mabel Best. He grew up in Northeast KC attending Northeast High School (Class of 1952). He attended University of Missouri, Columbia, for one year before enlisting in the Marine Corps to earn funds so he could return to complete his business degree. While in service with USMC (1953-56) during the Korean War he was stationed in Japan and discharged honorably at the rank of Sergeant and led many honor guards.
Upon returning to KCMO Don re-enrolled at MU with life-long friend, Tom O’Connor. It was then that he began dating his best friend and love of his life – Kay Keirns (also NEHS ’54). They continued dating while Don was at MU and Kay at Baker University in Baldwin City KS. Kay graduated from Baker in 1958 and they were married that summer on June 20th. Kay followed Don to Columbia, MO for his senior year and taught elementary school while pregnant with their first child Christopher – who was born soon after Don graduated in June 1959. Chris was the oldest of three children. Gregory would be born in April of 1961 and their daughter Leighanne in September of 1962. At the invitation of good friends Arlene and Gene Miller, Kay and Don joined the First Presbyterian Church of Independence where they continue to attend as members today. They would make their life and home in Independence, MO except for a few years when Kay and Don were both employed by Tupperware International in Orlando Florida.
Don worked with Gulf Oil following a short time at a bank in Kansas City with careers in finance and accounting. When his father died at an early age he made the decision to join his mother and help lead and manage her Tupperware distributorship for the next 25 years – Best Friend Sales. The Tupperware business allowed the family to travel frequently and see California, Florida, the Grand Tetons and Dakotas, Mexico City and Hawaii. When the children were entering high school in Independence the family decided to make the most of their vacation time in the Colorado Rockies where they shared a condo as members of the ‘Awesome’ Group, skiing and hiking Summit County for almost 30 years. Don’s sudden passing leaves behind a loving family and many friends: his wife of 62 years, Kay K Best (best friend for over 65 years), His children, Chris (Judy/Independence) and Leighanne Ruby (Stan/Lee’s Summit, MO). His grandchildren, Jessica Best-Stewart (Brian Stewart/KCMO), Chelsea Best (Rory Kaplan/NYC), Nathan Best (Philadelphia) and Grace Best Maminski (Wayne Maminski/Fulshear, TX) and great grandchildren Parker Best-Maminski and Skylar Maminski. Don was preceded in death by his son Gregory (2005).
Don was ever active in his community, singing in numerous choirs starting with the Belmont Christian Church in KCMO where he sang with his father. He also sang in the First Presbyterian choir most of his life and was able to sing in the Unity Village Choir under the direction of Molly Jessup with his son Chris. He was a member of Rotary Club of Independence and on several boards in the Independence area, YMCA of Independence and The Boys and Girls Club of Independence.
Most of all this deeply supportive and caring man will be lovingly remembered for his gentle demeanor his glowing and generous smile.
In lieu of flowers or food, Don made the request that donations be made in his name to the Boy and Girls of KCMO. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC
Don was the finest of men and a part of our lives from the time he sang at our wedding in 1957 til he gave the eulogy at Toms funeral in 2016. I will miss him terribly. Julie OConnor.
Don was the finest of me and a part of our lives since he sang at our wedding in 1957 til he gave the eulogy at Toms funeral in 2016. I will miss him terribly.
Don will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was one great guy. RIP Don
Billy and I were so sad to hear of Don’s passing, but we know my dad, Tom O’Connor, is thrilled to have his buddy once again. I’m sure they’re regaling themselves with stories of Northeast High and Mizzou! Go Tigers! Our 3 boys will never forget standing on New Smyrna Beach with Don and Kay and watching the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery back in 2001. Don will be greatly missed. Hugs to you, Kay, and your family.
I knew Don for a number of years from 1958 on as the husband of my cousin Kay. I envied their success and fun running the tupperware business. Kay was the social one and Don the business person. He was always very kind and friendly and I enjoyed it each time I would meet him.
Don was a warm and gentle man as well as a gentleman in every way. He had a knack for listening to you that made you feel heard and appreciated. He had a beautiful singing voice and a smile for everyone. He and Kay were my classmates at Northeast High School and lifelong friends. He will be missed.
I grew up two doors down from the Bests. Chris is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Don and Kay were an important part of my life growing up. I spent a lot of time at their house. It was the house to have fun and experience life at. I also worked for Don while figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up. Met my wife of 23 years there. Her mom sold Tupperware. He was always a kind and gentle man . I will cherish the times with the Best family!
We are saddened at the loss of Don in this life. Our memories with him will last forever and live fondly in our hearts. Our love to Kay, Chris and Judy and all the Best family. With heartfelt wishes, Lona and Kip Kaplan
So sorry for you loss. Don was a “cool” parent back in the day when I use to spend the night or just drop by to hang with Greg. When he found out that I was going to Mizzou he gave me a Tiger money clip, that I still have today! How thoughtful.
Kay & Family…. So sorry to hear of Don’s passing…. Will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Sal
My condolences to the Best family. Don was part of one of my favorite Tomashaw families.
Chris and I met in college and it wasn’t long after that, that I met Don and Kay. They both have been so good to Allise and I over the years – we’ve kept up on them through Chris and Judy. Don was a wonderful gentleman with ever-ready cheer. I could always feel his interest whenever we had the chance to see one another and that always just felt great. Rest in peace, Don. Hugs to Kay, Chris, Leighanne and the whole family.
A wonderful man. As Greg’s friend I felt adopted by Don and Kay and enjoyed many benefits: ski trips, a job in the Tupperware distribution center, great role models and so many fun times.
Gentle rest for you Don and give Greg a big hug.
Don was a great family man and a true gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching journalism to his children, Chris, Greg, and Leighanne at Truman High School. Through them I got to know Don and Kay for whom I have great respect. My sincere condolences to Kay, Chris, and Leighanne.
Sandy spent many years selling tupperware for Best Friend Sales until 1989. RIP Don, Many enjoyable meetings and jubilee celebrations in Logan Utah, Orlando Florida, Long Beach California.
Don was a wonderful caring husband and father , who always had a smile for you! He will be missed by all, my prayers go out to Kay and Family,
Like so many, I got to know Don through my friendship with his sons. While together, Chris, Greg and I may have participated in some foolishness that should have up (and likely did) upset Don, my memories don’t include any harsh words from him. To me, he was unflappable – and not above some foolishness of his own. Breaking into Liston Stadium at Baker University in Baldwin, KS to spread some of Greg’s ashes under the new sports turf comes to mind! The image of a 70 something Don scampering around the stadium like John Belushi in Animal House cracks me up to this day. Rest in peace Don!!
Kay and family- love and prayers for a super friendship over 50 years strong. Hope Don and Jerry are continuing our friendly KU/MU banter and laughs.
I never got the chance to meet Don in person, but I did get the chance to hear all about him from Kay and what a wonderful man he was.
Kay, please know that your Kauffman Center family is here for you today and always.
Thinking of you and your family!
So sorry for your loss, Kay. Peace and comfort to you and your family. Couldn’t get the livestream of the service to work. Only got 10 seconds of organ music.
Love and hugs from
Eric and Linda Smith
Dear Kay~
I sold Tupperware through Best Friend Sales from 1980 to 1986. You and Don were always so friendly, positive and encouraging. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Diane Northcraft Clark
Kay—-you and Don were part of my life from the first day we met (1959) Your Greg and my Steve gathered BIG hailstones ,without permission,from my backyard. Oops. Don will always live in my memory as a truly caring friend. Love to you and all your family……I understand your loss and pain.