William H. Best Jr. ’41

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Bill Best died of a lingering illness in Durham, N.C., Jan. 21, 1995. He and Evelyn had moved there two years ago for his medical treatment.

Bill prepared at Poly Prep. At Princeton, he roomed with John Hubby, won the math prize, joined Dial Lodge, and was active in the orchestra and band. After graduation, he worked as an actuarial mathematician, joined the Air Corps in 1942, and was sent to M.I.T.'s school of meteorology. Next came duty in Pentagon Weather Central. After the war, he worked at the U.S. Weather Bureau, but was recalled to active military service in 1947, becoming chief forecaster for the Air Force in Tokyo. Then came various postings leading to command of the Air Force's global weather service. In military service, he earned the Legion of Merit, Air Force and Army commendation medals, and the Vietnamese Air Force's D.S.O.

About 20 years ago, moved to Lebanon, Ill., where Bill held a number of civic posts and served two terms as mayor of the city. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evelyn; daughters Molly Tinsley and Catherine Bierman; sons Christopher and Billy; and six grandchildren. We grieve over the passing of a remarkable life of service.