Arthur Lewis Best, II, 72, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Alice M. (Elslager) Best with whom he was married 47 years. He was the son of Elizabeth (Meisenbach) Best Fry and the late Arthur L. Best, Sr.
Art was born in Columbia, PA and was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. He later moved to the Rohrerstown, PA area and became a faithful member of St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church. Art was a loving family man who was devoted to his children and grandchildren.
Following graduation from Columbia High School in 1971, Art attended Stevens Trade School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged with the rank of E4 Lithographer 3rd Class (1972 to 1976). While in the Navy he was a member of the Navy shooting team and won 1st Gold, Excellence in Pistol Competition. Art then joined the PA Army National Guard 1/108FA and served for 25 years (1982-2007), retiring with the rank of SGT First Class. He was a member of the National Guard Shooting Team (1983-1988) and was awarded the Governor’s 20 distinction 5 times. Also, throughout his National Guard career he served as Unit Master Weapons Instructor.
As a civilian, Art worked in the printing industry at Science Press and Graphics Trade Services. He then changed careers to join Clair Global, retiring in 2017.
Art enjoyed cars, trains and traveling. He also liked working with his hands; he could fix anything and create new parts for old items. But his passions were history and competitive shooting. Art was a dedicated member of the Lancaster Fencibles for over 50 years and enjoyed bringing Civil War history to life. He volunteered at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum in their gun shop and loved talking to people about the firearms of past times. Art was also a member of Columbia Fish & Game Association, Mount Joy Sportsmen’s Association, William Penn Pistol League, North-South Skirmish Association, National Rifle Association, Gobin Guards Association and The American Legion.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his children, Arthur L. Best, IV (Caetlyn E. Porter), Brunnerville, PA and Alison M. Froehler (Jeffrey P.), Glenside, PA; grandson, Jordan J. Froehler; granddaughter, Margaret A. Froehler; his siblings, Mary Elizabeth Helm (Jeffrey M.) Columbia, PA, Corrinne A. Eck (Gordon C., Jr.), Columbia, PA, William M. Best, Marietta, PA, and Catherine E. Peifer (Richard L.), New Providence, PA; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and his infant son, Arthur L. Best, III.
A visitation will be held at the Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, 519 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia, PA 17512 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel C. Mitzel as celebrant and Rev. Peter I. Hahn and Rev. Kyle S. Sahd as concelebrants. Friends may also call at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Final Commendation and Farewell will follow in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.
Please omit flowers and consider a contribution in Art’s memory to Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum (note on check “LVVFM Gun Shop”), 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, or American Battlefield Trust (note on check “Memory of Arthur Best, II”), P.O. Box 1751, Merrifield, VA 22116-1751.
