O. Close

O. Ray Close, 90, of Bellefontaine, passed away Thursday morning, November 12, 2015 at Mary Rutan Hospital. He was born in Hancock County, Ohio on January 12, 1925 to the late Lowell and Bertha (Wheeler) Close.

He was also preceded in death by wife Jean (Beagle) Close, whom he married on June 7, 1946 and who taught many years in Bellefontaine and Eastwood Schools. Ray was also preceded in death by a brother, Harlan Close, a sister, Gladys Marquart and a son-in-law, Daniel Miller.

Ray was a 1943 graduate of Mt. Blanchard High School. Following graduation, he joined the US Army and served during World War II. He served in the European Theatre in the 9th Armored Division in three different companies and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes and the Rhineland. For his heroic actions, Ray was awarded three bronze stars and the Purple Heart.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Ray graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus in 1949. His first appointment was to the Bellefontaine Post and he concluded his career as Post Commander at the Walbridge Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Ray was a member of the Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed the outdoors, working on his property, and woodworking. He was an owner/operator of the Elliott-Close Sawmill in Logan County for eight years. He enjoyed watching sporting events and spending time with his family.

Ray is survived by his daughters: Linda (Thomas) Baker of Powell, Kayla Miller of Loveland, Colorado, Janet (Gary) Fries of Bowling Green and Beverly (Mark) Mellum of Bellefontaine; twelve grandchildren: Doug Baker, Amy Gray, Jill Baker-Ansley, Brian Miller, Tonya Robinson, Tony Fries, Tyler Fries, Lynn Davis, Greg Mellum, Andy Mellum, Aubrey Powell and Lisa Mellum; eighteen great-grandchildren; a special friend and companion JoAnne Harman of Bellefontaine; and many nieces and nephews.

Rev. Reuben Mellum will officiate the funeral service on Monday, November 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring and Sanford Funeral Home, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Dunkirk Cemetery with military honors provided by the AmVets Post 1994 Honor Guard, Kenton.

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