Obituary of Pastor Al Best

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PASTOR ALFRED BEST

Alfred (Al) Best came into this world on September 23rd, 1952 in Orlando, Florida to the late Alfred Best Sr. and Barbara Glassmire.  He was affectionately called “Al” or “Pastor”.  He made his triumphant transition to glory on September 29th, 2024 with his eyes looking toward Heaven.  Assuredly, the angels rejoiced at his arrival.

Al Best grew up in Florida and joined the military following high school. He met and married Linda (Gamble) Best on February 14^th, 1972.  From this union four children were born, Sondra (Darcy Frazier-Best) Best; Jonathan (Michelle) Best; Jennifer Nelson; and Kenneth Best.  

Al remarried on October 7th, 1995 to Mrs. Jean (Walthour) Best. Their union joined her children in our family.  She was the mother of Jodi (Pug) Mengelkoch and Amanda (DJ) Hesse.

Al Best is survived by a brother and two sisters; Pamela Lewis; Ann (David) Brown; and Chuck Best. Al is remembered by 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  Al was preceded in death by his mother and father and daughter-in-law Teri (Selkurt) Best.

Alfred Best served 21 active-duty years (1970-1991) in the United States Navy, and retired as a Cryptologic Chief Petty Officer(CTRC). Among places he served were Okinawa, Japan; Misawa, Japan and Jacksonville, Florida.  He later worked for Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners and was an honored salesman. Al hung up his coat as a vacuum salesman and was called into full time ministry as an ordained Pastor.  He created Living Water Church in Dassel, MN and served as the Pastor of Light In Anoka prior to his passing. He trusted God completely and listened daily for God’s instructions.  He was selfless, lived to please God and tried to allow God to order his steps. Al was an evangelist; he would talk to anyone and used every opportunity to lead souls to Christ. He would greet you with the question, “Do you know Jesus?” He was a great example of a man that followed God, and there is no doubt his legacy followed him to Heaven.

Pastor Al has been dutifully serving the Lord despite his illnesses this past year. He could be seen preaching and counseling from his hospital bed. Just this Saturday September 28^th, while laying in his hospital bed at Mercy West Coon Rapids,  Al performed a marriage, his last official act as a Pastor on this earth. 

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday October 4^th, 2024 at Light In Anoka Church, 1033 Jefferson St. Anoka, MN 55303.  

All flowers and correspondence should be sent to the church Light In Anoka. Please address to Pastor Al Memorial Service.