John Brooks Best was born on April 16, 1942, to RV “Johnny” and Florence (Brooks) Best in Norton, Kansas. John grew up in McCook, Nebraska and learned respect for honest, hard work while spending his childhood and teen summers on his aunt and uncle’s ranch in North Park, Colorado. John graduated from McCook High School. He furthered his education by graduating from McCook Junior College and Chadron State College, playing basketball for both colleges. John’s early career followed in the footsteps of his mother, a public-school teacher. He taught social studies and physical education while coaching basketball at Ansley Public Schools, Weeping Water Public Schools, and Cal Community (IA) Public Schools.
John met Georgene Mason; they married and had two children, Jill and Jack. John began a career in sales when the family moved to Audubon, Iowa. In 1977, the family relocated to Central City, Nebraska where John settled into a long career with Farm Bureau Insurance. He served the company as an agent and agency manager in Merrick County, a division manager for northeast Nebraska, and retired as a Regional Sales Manager after he and Georgene moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. John loved talking with others and sharing stories. He could find commonality with anyone he met.
Ever the entrepreneur, John combined his love of people, high school sports, and photography into the legendary John’s Best Shots that allowed him to capture events and memorable moments for others to enjoy. In the early years, he traveled to Omaha, supporting Omaha Central and Omaha Northwest. He became a constant at Lincoln Public Schools’ sporting events. He highly valued the relationships he fostered with athletes, school staff, and parents.
John was an active member of the Sesostris Shrine in Lincoln. He led the photography committee. The annual week of activities leading up to the Shrine Bowl and the game were a highlight of his year.
John Brooks Best’s love and support for his family were paramount. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis “Georgene” (Mason) Best; his children, Jill and Jack (Brandy); and his grandchildren, Harlee Vredenburgh and Maxx Vrendenburgh.
A funeral will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The visitation will be Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Both celebrations of John’s life will be at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68510.