Gregory Close

Gregory G. Close, 51, of Oakley, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at University of Kansas Hospital. He was born on Aug. 19, 1961 in Newton, KS and was adopted on Oct. 27 by Glen and Ruth Marie (Gidley) Close in Newton, KS. He graduated from Oakley High School Class of 1979 and North West Kansas Technical College class of 1980. He worked for Close Inc. from childhood to 1994 and then farmed with his father. He was an avid race car driver and later become a tech official at Rolling Plains Motor Speedway, Hays. He was a member of the JC’s and Oakley United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Marie Close.

Survivors include his father Glen Close; two daughters, Melissa Marie (Milo) Lippelmann, Oberlin and Nicole Marie Close, Oakley; a sister, Melinda (Mike) Moeder, Oakley, a granddaughter, Ryllie Marie Lippelmann; a niece, Ashlyn Marie Moeder, Oakley.

A Funeral service will be 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, Oakley. Burial will follow in Monument Cemetery, Monument. Memorials are suggested to KU Medical Research in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO box 204 Oakley. Condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com