William “Bill” R. Closson

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William ‘Bill’ R. Closson, 66, of Independence, Missouri, transitioned to eternal life on Monday, November 19th, after a long valiant battle with Early On-Set Alzheimer’s disease. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00pm, Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Walnut Gardens~Community of Christ Church, 19201 E R.D. Mize Rd, Independence, MO.
Bill was born June 11, 1952 in Independence, MO. He was a proud graduate of Truman HS and the University of Missouri. He brought joy and laughter everywhere he went. He had a deep abiding love for God; his family, especially his two sons; friends; sports; music; nature; and the environment. He spent 30 years working as a Forester, Wildland Fire Fighter, and Nursery Manager for the US Forest Service, working on the Clearwater, Targhee and Mendocino National Forests; Intermountain Research Station; Chico Genetic Resource Center; and the Eastern Regional Office.
He was an ordained Deacon in the Community of Christ Church, where he served for many years, continuing a long family history of service to God.
He played guitar in a professional jazz band in California. And he loved playing his restored vintage Les Paul guitar.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Glenn Jr. and Kathryn (May) Closson; and siblings James B. Closson and Mary Kathryn (Closson) Barge. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy (Downs) Closson of Independence; two sons, Nicholas William Closson of Portland, Oregon and Tyler E. Closson (Fernanda), and granddaughter Giovanna Closson of West Allis, Wisconsin; siblings Charles Closson (Rita) of Kansas City, MO and Allie (Closson) Woods (Tom) of Creston, Iowa. As well as scores of family and friends that loved and adored him.
Our hearts are broken, yet filled with joy, that he is no longer suffering from the disease that robbed him of his memory for so many years. He’s free at last.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Forest Fund https:// www.nationalforests.org/donate/giftmembership or the Alzheimer’s Association http:// act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=525775 or simply plant a tree.

Condolences

  1. Steve Byrn on November 23, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    I’ll miss you Billy. You made me laugh my ass off!



  2. Jared Barge on November 23, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    Thanks for being so great to me over the years Uncle Bill. I will seeing you with my kids. You were a great husband, father and uncle. We will miss you!



  3. Gale Talbot on November 23, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    I never got to meet you but I know you made my Cousin very happy.



  4. Molly Fuller on November 24, 2018 at 6:12 am

    Dearest Bill, you always brought humor and wisdom to your work. The Forest is better for having you there to care for it. Thank you. I am a better person who has learned from you. May you rest in peace.



  5. Sue Preece on November 24, 2018 at 10:11 am

    Continued prayers for your family Bill as they miss you. Memories are the best now as you are not in pain and they will remember you always!! Hugs and love ??



  6. Patricia Closson on November 25, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    Loved you since we first met when you 7 years old. Your beautiful smile charmed me then and ever after. I am always going to miss you in the place you held in my life, but I am now relieved that you are released from the Alzheimers prison that stole you away from all us who love you.



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