Tom Best

T homas "Tom" Best was born July 29, 1937, in Norfolk, NE. He peacefully passed away at home in North Platte, NE surrounded by his family on January 17, 2025, at the age of 87.

Tom, son of Rueben and Dorothy Best, grew up in Norfolk, NE. He graduated from Norfolk High School in 1956. Tom then attended Norfolk Jr. College for one year and later completed his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.  He earned his master's degree in educational administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello and his specialist's degree in education from Kearney State College in Nebraska.

On December 28, 1957, Tom married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Wava Henry, in their hometown of Norfolk, NE. After earning his degree, Tom and Wava moved to Clarkson, NE where Tom began his long career in education. His career took him to Eaton, CO and finally to North Platte, NE. Tom's educational career of 36 years included teaching, coaching, and administration.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, golfing, woodworking, gardening and following Husker sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Dorothy; stepmother, Pauline; brothers Jack, Bill, Dick and Bobby Best; and his granddaughter, Cassey Jo Frye.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Wava; daughters, Jody Best of Lincoln, NE, Pam McClean (Marty) of League City, TX, and Vikki Carlson (Lance) of North Platte, NE; grandchildren, Thomas Frye, Sean McClean (Allison), Kyle McClean, Jack Carlson and Drew Carlson; great-grandson, Emmett Frye; his loving sister, Joy Bauermeister (Don) of Battle Creek; and other family.

Celebration of Life is 10 a.m., Saturday, January 25, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Evans officiating.  Visitation is Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Tom Best Memorial c/o the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. Donations may be made by check or online two ways:  Go to nppsf.org, click on "Donate," choose fund title "Memorial Gifts," enter information, add comment "Tom Best Memorial."
Or go to venmo, search charities - @NorthPlatteSchoolsFoundation, enter information, add comment "Tom Best Memorial."

Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.