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George Close

George L. Close, age 71, of Salem, died at 12:49 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2017 at the Circle of Care. He was born September 25, 1945 in Salem, Ohio, the son of the late William and Hazel (Grove) Close.

He worked at the National Refractories for 44 years and was a member of the Damascus Friends Church (Salem Campus), Italian American Club and Salem Amvets Post 45. George was an avid outdoorsman and hunter.

During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra (Wellman) Close, whom he married December 31, 1969; two daughters, Julie (Randall) Horvath of North Jackson and Lynne (Shayne) Smeltzer of Lisbon; a grandson, Cole Smeltzer of Lisbon; a sister, Barbara (Denis) Karlen of Salem; and three brothers, Larry (Jane) Close of Punta Gorda, Florida, Dale (Marcia) Close of Beloit and Bruce (Deanna) Close of Salem.

Also a sister, Avon Lea Close preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Damascus Friends Church (Salem Campus) with Pastor Robert Laughlin officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Hospice, 2341 East State Street, Suite B, Salem, Ohio 44460.

Arrangements were handled at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

His obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.starkmemorial.com.

3/22/17