"Mrs.Close, Though we have never meant, and I have not seen Don for at least fifty years, I have a story to relate. Don coached our little league team, and this particular day it had rained pretty much all day and we a game that evening. Well, I assumed the game was cancelled. It wasn't and Don was mad as hornet at me. He found me playing tennis, took me home to change into my uniform and off to the game. Needles to say I didn't play, period. Don taught me a valuable lesson that day which has served me well over the years---keep your word and commitment. Sorry for your loss, I know he will be missed. which "
In loving memory of
Don Leonal Close
March 7, 1934 - April 5, 2014
Don Leonal Close was the son of Otto Close and Edith Holliday Close Coon born in Promise City, IA on March 7, 1934. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1951 and attended Burlington Junior College. He married Lois McKasson at St. Luke United Church of Christ June 28, 1953. He served in the U.S. Army 1955-57 in Ft. Benning, GA. His daughter Cheryl Close Kosmann (William) resides in Middleburg, Virginia and son Bryan Don Close (Margret) resides in Leawood, Kansas. There are four grandchildren Jason Kosmann, Sean Kosmann, Daniel Close and Elizabeth Close. He retired December 15, 1996 from the Burlington Hawkeye after 45 years of service. His career started with a six year printing apprenticeship and retired as the Systems Manager. He has two surviving sisters Robinette Schubert and Doris Wynn (Ray), along with nieces and nephews.
Don was always involved in sporting activities. He played baseball and basketball throughout his school years, including junior college. While in the Army he played on their DivArty baseball and basketball teams. He coached American and Western Little League. He was a member of the Burlington Official Association and refereed basketball, football and baseball games throughout the region. He operated the clock for Southeastern Community College basketball and BHS football games for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed playing golf after retirement.
He was a member of the Optimist Club, Jaycees, Moose Lodge, Des Moines County Historical Society and sang with the Ambassadors to welcome riverboat guests. He volunteered at Great River Medical Center and served on the Board of Friends of Great River. He was an active member of the St. Luke United Church of Christ congregation serving in numerous roles for over 50 years.
He was an avid CUBS fan along with following the BHS teams and Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lunning Chapel on Monday, April 7,2014.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at St. Luke's United Church of Christ followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Inurnment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family memorials may be given in Don's honor to the YMCA, St. Luke UCC, and Burlington Public Library.
Tributes
"This message is for Bryan. I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear of your fathers passing. He was an incredible kind & thoughtful person. I talked to him twice while my father was at the U of I hospital battling his cancer. Your father although fighting his own cancer took the time to call my father after his surgery to check in on him . His kindness & thoughtfulness deeply touched our family. He was such an example of grace & dignity. Your father's example on how to be a friend & treat people will always be remembered & will live on in the peoples lives he touched.
I wanted you to know this & know our thoughts and prayers are with your family right now."
"Bill and I are so thankful that Don and Lois got to visit us in our home in The Villages, FL. He was one of the nicest, pleasant Christian man we have known. God rest his soul, and give strength and comfort to Lois and the family. Bill & Loretta Dixon"
"Don was a very special friend. Don could be counted on to carry though on each promise that he made. When I volunteered to do the public address announcing for Grayhound football, he was the first person I thought of to take over the scoreboard/timing part of the of what was to be a four man crew. Don and I would have had our 40th season this coming fall. Don would have really enjoyed the new pressbox with restrooms and concessions, etc., beginning this coming fall. He will be missed, greatly. Dick Mellinger"
"Don was the first coach of any kind that I ever had and he was a great teacher. When Patty and I returned to Burlington I got reacquainted with Don and there is only one way to describe him. Very simply, he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Lois, you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers."
"My deepest sympathy to the Close family. Don was a wonderful man. "
"Matt.22:39 "Love thy neighbor as yourself." This is Don Close, a friend with many gifts, but to me he had the gift of severing his neighbor. A man with a quick smile and always a positive view of life. Years ago living in the manor is where Don as a teenager gave the neighborhood kids like me his most valuable gift, his time, to teach us how to play baseball. The world is a better place to live because Don always took time to help someone in need. I am blessed to be called a friend of Don Close. I, like all who knew him will miss him. His REWARDS WILL BE GREAT IN HEAVEN.. Matt:3:17 "This is my son whom I am well pleased." IN HIS HANDS Our deepest sympathy to Lois and Family LONNIE & MARCIA GREEN"
"I have very fond memories of Don and Lois Close. They lived near my family in Flint Hills Manor many years ago. I remember helping Don with Bryan's little league team and Don's connection (and love) of baseball. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lois, Bryan and Cheryl and their families. During his time on earth, Don has made it a better place. He will be missed but not forgotten. Tom & Diana Green"
"I WANT TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DON. HE WAS A NICE MAN, AND A GOOD FRIEND AND I SPENT, 7 OR 8 YEARS IN THE PRESSBOX, AT THE FOOTBALL GAMES.WE HAD GOOD TIMES THERE.HE WILL BE MISSED"
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Another wonderful man in the arms of the angels. "
"I will miss Don. He always had time to talk to me and had encouraging words for whatever my situation was. I am so sorry Lois, Bryan, and Cheryl for your loss. Performing at Players' Workshop won't be the same without Don in the audience. God Bless all of you!"
"Don Close was one of the nicest guys I have ever known! Having worked with Don at the newspaper and seeing him "giving" of himself to numerous organizations throughout the community, I gained a lot of respect for him. Don was always pleasant and I will miss seeing him around town. My deepest sympathy goes out to Lois and his family. Kathy (Burrus) Geren"