Anthony Lewis "Phil" Close

Anthony Lewis "Phil" Close, one of five children of Beatrice (Huggins) and Charles William Close, was born at his parent's home on the farm, in Atchison County, Missouri on December 9, 1917. Anthony Lewis preferred the nickname of "Phil."

He grew up on the farm with his brothers and one sister. He attended Spring Valley school from first grade through the eighth grade and then attended the nearby Daleview High School. He met Edna Pearl Ray while they both were attending Daleview High School. They were classmates and graduated from high school in 1935. They were united in marriage on

April 9, 1939 at the Methodist-Episcopal Church in Oregon, Mo. To this union two children were born, Peggy Jo Close and Philip Ray Close.

Phil and E.P. lived on the Anthony Lewis and Anne (Lord) Close farm until May 23, 1946, when the home was destroyed by a tornado. Phil and E.P. purchased a home from the Hiram True family and had it moved to the location where it stands today, directly north of St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, rural Skidmore, Missouri.

Phil was a life-long member of St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. He served on the Daleview School Board and the County Highway Board. He was director/member of the Federal Land Bank Association of St. Joseph-Maryville for over 30 years and a lifetime member of the Falls City Elks Club. Farming was an occupation that he enjoyed very much and took great pride in his cattle herd. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and was a member of a square dancing club for many years. Whenever he heard music, his feet began to keep count.

Immediately following high school graduation, he farmed with his father and continued to farm the remainder of his life in Dale Township. In 1939, in addition to farming, he was recruited for a local basketball team called the "Toreadors" and played basketball until 1947 when he retired from the sport at the age of 30.

Survivors include his wife Edna Pearl; daughter, Peggy Jo Kruse and husband Larry, of Glenwood, Iowa; four grandsons, David and Brian Kruse of Omaha, Nebraska; Christopher Close of Plattsburg, Missouri and Brian Close of Roland Park, Kansas. He is survived by seven great grandchildren, Alex, son of Brian Kruse; Riley and Hannah Kruse, children of David and Sharon Kruse; Caitlyn, Corey and Nathan Close, children of Chris and Shonda Close; and Carson Close, son of Brian and Joyce Close, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Phil in death are his parents; his son, Philip Ray Close (1992); three brothers, Charles Ernest Close (1918); Frederick "Edward" Close (1983); John Huggins Close (1991); and one sister, Edith (Close) Henson (1999).

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, c/o John Zeliff.

Services were held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery.