CLAFLIN — Bert L. Besthorn, 60, passed away Dec. 6, 2015, in Hays. Born Nov. 29, 1955, in Great Bend, he was the son of Herbert L. and Joyce A. (Rathbun) Besthorn. He was a lifetime resident of the Claflin area. He earned his master’s degree in Diesel Mechanics from Pittsburg State University, 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. He was co-owner of Besthorn Oil and Gas Service Inc.  
Mr. Besthorn served the community on the USD 354 School Board for 16 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Claflin and the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association.
Survivors include his wife and son, Lana and Clark Besthorn, both of Claflin; two sisters, Jodi Besthorn of Wichita, and Elaine Besthorn of Goodyear, Ariz.; and a brother, Scott Besthorn of High Point, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Claflin United Methodist Church, with burial following at the Claflin Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. Thursday at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Claflin Fire and Ambulance Service or Central Plains Community Scholarship Inc., in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 45; 307 N. Lincoln
Ellsworth, KS 67439
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 9, 2015