Irwin E. “Gene” Best

Irwin E. “Gene” Best, 82, of Harrisville passed away Tuesday at home.

Gene was born Jan. 9, 1936, in Pency, Monroe Township, Clarion County. Gene was the son of Chester G. Best and Cicel E. Redick Best.

Gene graduated from Concord High School in 1954. After graduating, he married Lois A. Shoup on May 1, 1956, in Winchester, Va. The couple enjoyed 54 years of marriage until Lois passed away Sept. 4, 2010. Together, the couple had two daughters, Vicky and Vera.

Gene served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1959.

Gene worked for Cooper Bessemer in Grove City for 20 years before fulfilling his dream of owning his own business. Gene proudly owned and operated National Hydraulics of Harrisville and Best Lawn and Garden in Harrisville, up until his retirement.

The joy of his life was his family. Many hours were spent fishing with his son-in-law, Earl, who brought him great joy. The family didn't miss a Sunday night watching the Steelers play. He enjoyed their company, along with a home-cooked meal. He played golf whenever the weather permitted and was a past member of the golf leagues at Pine Grove and Shamrock Golf courses. He spent many hours holding his two pet cats, Girty and Luke.

Gene was a former member of the Harrisville United Methodist Church.

Loved ones left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Vicky L. Shaw of Harrisville and Vera L. Allen and her husband, Earl L., of Slippery Rock; his grandson, Jason Allen and his wife, Nicole, of Slippery Rock; his great-grandsons, Ezra and Evan Allen; and his sister, Valjean Shook of Florida.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; and four brothers; and five sisters.

BEST — The family of Irwin E. “Gene” Best, who died Tuesday, March 27, 2018, will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Jamison-McKinley Funeral Home, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville.Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Jon Clayburn from Seventh-day Adventist Church in Butler officiating.The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene's memory be sent to Kindred Hospice, 3124 Wilmington Road, Ste. 108, New Castle PA 16105.Friends can email condolences by visiting www.jamisonfuneralhome.net