Leamon Best, 82, died peacefully at his home in Ruston on Monday, December 28, 2015. Leamon was born July 25, 1933 in Rayville and grew up in Delhi.Leamon attended Louisiana Tech University where he played third base for the Bulldog baseball team and served as a trainer for the Tech football team. It was at Louisiana Tech that he met Mable Liner. Leamon and Mable married in 1954 and this past August celebrated their 61st anniversary. Leamon served his country in the U S Army from 1955 to 1957, including a post in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1965 Leamon built and began operating Alpine Nursing Home where he cared for the elderly of Ruston and the surrounding communities for almost 20 years. In 1983, the Bests established Best Home Health, continuing his compassion for caring for others in the healthcare field. Leamon became Administrator of the Baptist Retirement Center in Arcadia in 1983. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2002. Leamon was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church where he was a deacon, taught Sunday School and served in many leadership rolls through the years. Leamon was also a charter member of the Ruston Sunrise Kiwanis. Leamon and Mable were avid Louisiana Tech fans, supporting their alma mater from their graduation to present day. Baseball was a huge part of Leamon's life. When his playing days were over, he began coaching Little League, instilling a love of the game in many a young man over the years. Leamon was a family man. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life and his greatest source of joy.Above all else, Leamon loved his Lord Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully, sharing the Gospel with all he met. He led by example and leaves a legacy of faith, service and commitment to Christ.Leamon was preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Sally Rouse Best, twin brother, Lavelle, brothers James, Sidney and Tony, sisters Lottie Best Ezell and Lois Best Leach. He is survived by his wife, Mable Liner Best, daughter Pam Walpole and her husband Mike, son Jeff Best and his wife, Ruth, daughter Michelle Taylor and her husband, John, grandsons and their spouses; J and Blair Walpole, Daniel and Lyndsey Best, Josh and Ashley Walpole, Mitchell and Megan Best, Jed and Corky Walpole, Austin and Yanessa Northcott, grandson Landon Northcott, granddaughter Maggie Northcott, great-grandchildren Ryder & River Walpole and Drace Best.Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Temple Baptist Church at 10:00 and the funeral will begin at 11:00. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.Papaw's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Leamon's Temple Baptist Church Sunday School class.The Best family wants to extend a special thank you to dedicated and compassionate caregivers Idella Thomas, Fernard Broadnax and Terry Randle.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Temple Baptist Church.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com