Brenton H. Best

      Brenton Howard “Butch” Best, age 80, passed into Jesus’ arms surrounded by family on July 11, 2025 due declining health and complications from a fall.

     Born October 11, 1944, in Oil City, he was the son of the late C. Ivan and Pearl Best. 

     Butch resided much of his life in Knox. He was a 1964 graduate of Keystone High School, was proud of his football days, and often recounted his tackling skills! Following high school, Butch began a career working in glass plants - first in Knox Glass Company then moving in 1987 when the Knox plant closed to Mansfield to work in Elmira’s glass plant. He was proud of his hard work and dedication to glass work that spanned over 40 years. Butch remained in Mansfield until 2018 when due to declining health he was “adopted” by his niece, “Chrissy”, and moved back to Knox to be loved by his family.

     He enjoyed social connections! He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Knox. He was a social member of the Servicemen's Club of Knox American Legion, where he enjoyed the company of the patrons and bartenders and a cold Coors Light (never more than two!) Every Thursday evening, Butch dined out with a special group of friends, sweetly referred to as the “TED” group. When he was able, he loved participating in the Clarion County Senior Center’s many activities.

     Butch was a character! He loved hunting and fishing, shared special memories of his elk hunt out west, and proudly carried his lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. He loved sports, especially when Pittsburgh was playing, and he screamed his coaching advice and rooted loudly throughout every game! He always planted a garden and happily shared his produce. Butch enjoyed playing Bingo, even though he hated to lose. He loved animals and could often be found sneaking treats to them, especially to Sophie, his great niece’s dog. He also loved ice cream with a standing order at any tasty-freeze of twist ice cream in a bowl. He truly enjoyed adult coloring books; his widely shared artwork leaves special memories for many! 

     Since February 2024, Butch resided in Country Springs then Parker Personal Care Homes. His family is grateful for the care he received at both homes.

     Butch is survived by his nieces: Christina (Bob) Best, Mellissa (Mike) Travis, Nancy Powell, Deanna (Brian) Milford, and Emily (Chris) Haight. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews: Allyssa and Jonathan Hall, Abbygail and Glenn (Elizabeth) Travis, James and Aaron Moore, Henry and Sarah Milford, Shelby and Cassidy Haight, and Kate, Evan (Racheal), and Nate Best. His great-great nieces and nephews are Brooke, Parker, Kinzlee, and Easton.

     In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Best Dunlap Plyler, and his great nephews, Thomas Harold Moore and Wyatt Haight.

     Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

     Funeral services will follow at 7:00 PM in the funeral home, with Pastor Ken Tack of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, officiating.

     Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Union Cemetery, Knox.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Butch’s church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 937 Twin Church Road, Knox, PA 16232 or to the Clarion County Senior Center, c/o Clarion Area Agency on Aging, 16 Venture Lane, Clarion, PA 16214.

     Online condolences may be sent to Butch’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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