Bert L. Besthorn

     Bert L. Besthorn, 60, of Claflin, Kan., passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Hays, Kan. He was born Nov. 29, 1955 in Great Bend, Kan. to Herbert L. and Joyce A. (Rathbun) Besthorn.
     Bert was a lifetime resident of the Claflin area. He earned his Master’s Degree in diesel mechanics from Pittsburg State University. Bert then went on to teach diesel mechanics at Barton County Community College, was a contract trainer for Case-New Holland teaching power mechanics, and after retirement, served as a substitute teacher at Central Plains High School in Claflin. Bert was co-owner of Besthorn Oil and Gas Service, Inc. and served the community on the USD 354 School Board for 16 years. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Claflin and the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association.
     Bert is survived by his wife and son, Lana and Clark Besthorn, both of Claflin; sisters, Jodi Besthorn of Wichita, Kan. and Elaine Besthorn of Goodyear, Ariz.; and brother, Scott Besthorn of High Point, N.C.
     He was preceded in death by his parents.
     Visitation is from 1 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.
     Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 11, at the Claflin United Methodist Church, with burial following in the Claflin Cemetery.
     Memorial contributions may be made to Claflin Fire and Ambulance Service or the Central Plains Community Scholarship, Inc., c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
     Condolences may be sent to the family at parsonsfh.com