Frank Best

Frank Best, long-time resident of Fort Sumner, passed away in Albuquerque on Saturday, August 24, 2013, at the age of 90. Frank was born on August 21, 1923, in Lubbock, Texas, to Perry and Mossie Best. He grew up on ranches in Texas and New Mexico. In 1944, Perry and Mossie Best bought land southeast of Fort Sumner where Frank and his father ranched for many years. In 1943, Frank married the love of his life, Nadine Clymer, and from that union they had three children; Troy, Shirley, and Floyd. Over the years, they lived in several communities throughout eastern New Mexico working on ranches such as S.E.A. Cattle Company, Buster Fryer Ranch, and others. In 1961, the family moved to Clayton where Frank was employed as the District Livestock Inspector for the State of New Mexico. After 18 years in Clayton, he transferred to Fort Sumner in 1979 and retired there in 1988. Until 2012, he raised cattle on the family ranch. Frank is preceded in death by his parents and daughter Shirley. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nadine Best, their sons Troy and Floyd Best, grandchildren Kelly Medford and wife Jill, Lisa Eddings and husband Robert, Bryan Best, Frank H. Best and wife Vicky, and Bill Crabtree, great-grandchildren Kayla Morton, Kellby Medford, Korie Dennis, Jacqueline Best, Kasi Medford and Brad Taylor, and great-great grandson Jeof Morton. The family extends special thanks for the love and care Frank received at Friendship Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Albuquerque. A private memorial will be held. Condolences may be sent to the Best family at P.O. Box 391, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico 88119