Malcolm T. Best

Malcolm Theophilas Best, aka “Sonny,” was born in Ancon, Canal Zone, at Gorgas Hospital on June 15, 1929, to James Best and Louise Barrow. The firstborn of fraternal twins preceding Aguina, and the fourth of seven siblings, Dorothy, Mose, Claris, Theopolis (Blue), and Sylvia.

He graduated from La Boca High School, Canal Zone in 1952 and joined the US. Army in 1953 during the Korean War. He later obtained his Associate Degree in Business from El Paso Community College in 1978.

Sonny married his High School sweetheart, Eugenia Nelson, on January 25, 1955. They moved to the United States in September 1956. They were blessed to celebrate their 70-year union this year.

A Father (Father-in-Law) to four children. Rogelio F. Best(Naomi), Malcolm T. Best, Jr. (Beverly), James H. Best (Shanna), and Elaine Best. Grandfather of seven (Amber Wren (Gary), Dana Brown (Josh), Stacy Best-Nervis (Matthew), Shalena, Sabrina Choto (Antonio), C.J., and Jene’) and great-grandfather to seven (Joshua Roger (JR), Maxwell, Catherine, Cecilia, Dana Ruth, Camille, and Ava).

Sonny retired from the Army in 1974 as Sergeant First Class, earning a Bronze Star while on duty in Vietnam for saving a fellow soldier’s life. His other military stations of duty included Germany, Greenland, Panama, and the United States. Afterwards, he worked at Ft Bliss Credit Union, retiring twenty years later in 1995. Sonny was a member of the Gospel Service at Ft Bliss since 1983. He was instrumental in establishing the Men’s Ministry, where he was viewed as a mentor for the younger men.

Sonny leaves behind many beloved relatives, including nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

He always provided for others in need or not. His robust laugh and smile will be sorely missed, yet always remembered.

The family thanks you for your warm thoughts and prayers. We ask that in lieu of flowers, you donate to the Disabled American Veterans organization in his memory at help.dav.org.

For those wishing to attend the service in person, you must have a valid ID and a pass for each person in the vehicle. See the link below to obtain the pass.

https://bliss.armymwr.com/happenings/fort-bliss-community-pass