Darrell Dan Close

Close, Darrell “Dan”, 69, retired printer, died in his sleep, Sunday, August 24, 2008. Memorial service, 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 27, Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Mr. Close was a storyteller who never failed to find a listener, a nature lover who enjoyed his own backyard, and an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter. Summer vacations were often spent in rustic cabins in the Missouri Ozarks with Maggie, his wife of 50 years, and with as many family members as possible. He appreciated the ordinary: showing his children and grandchildren how to use tools, reading westerns, watching war movies, bowling nights, leading a boy scout troop, quarterbacking the neighborhood football games, firing off bottle rockets, handing out Christmas presents, watching the rain fall, and gazing at stars over a campfire. He was not perfect, but he was honest and hard-working and he had faith in something more powerful than life on Earth. Mr. Close was born in Wichita on November 7, 1938 to Glenn L. and Irene (Keeler) Close. He graduated from East High School in 1957 and married Margaret Oreta Holder on February 21, 1958. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year with a huge party attended by family and friends. He served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1957 to 1965, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. Mr. Close worked for The Wichita Eagle, Sharpe Printing Company, The Coleman Company, and Farm Credit Bank. He retired in 2001. In addition to his wife, Mr. Close is survived by sons, Danny, Patrick, and Edward; daughters-in-law, Laura Kelly and Diane Close; grandchildren, Meaghan Smith, Matthew, David, Thomas, Amy, Chelsea, John, Martha, and Mallory Close; great-granddaughter, Rilynn; cousin, Bernice Jeys, and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Leslie Close and John Richardson. Memorial established with Center of Hope, 400 N. Emporia, Wichita, KS 67202.