Edgar Walter "Ed" Closson

Edgar Walter 'Ed' Closson (75) passed away on April 6, 2018, at Woodbridge Health Campus after a lengthy illness.  Edgar (Ed) was born in Logansport on Feb. 5, 1943, to Lucille Mayhill Closson and Edgar George Closson.  He graduated from Logansport High School in 1961.  While in high school he participated in many activities, but he is probably best remembered for his back flips as an LHS cheerleader.  He enjoyed spending a summer in Greece as a Rotary exchange student.

 

Ed graduated from Purdue University where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and a varsity cheerleader.  After graduation he served as a captain in the US army stationed in Panama.  Ed then returned to Logansport where he became a fourth-generation owner of Closson Lumber Company.  When he became the sole owner, he added “Fast Eddie’s Peculiar Treasures” as he enjoyed antiques and collectibles.

 

Ed was a member of Rotary, the Roosters, the Chamber of Commerce, the Moose, the Elks and the YMCA where he served on the board for a time.  He was a member of River of Life Christian Church where he served as a trustee, an elder and a Children’s Church volunteer.   Ed was always an unofficial greeter at church and enjoyed welcoming every person each week.

 

Ed had a very special soft spot for children and young people.  He could never pass by a baby, child, or teenager without engaging them in conversation or kidding.  As well as mentoring the children at church,  he mentored the many young people who worked at the lumber company,  and he became the legal guardian of a young man who appealed for his help. For many years Ed played Santa for friends’ children and also dressed as The Cat in the Hat and the Easter Bunny to entertain children.  His goal in life was to bring a smile to everyone he encountered, and in that he definitely succeeded.

 

In his forties, Ed became a diving coach for the high school and for amateur sports and participated in masters diving himself.  For years he helped with rehabilitating orphaned wildlife and was one of the founding members of “A Cause for Paws.”

 

Ed is survived by his wife of 36 years, Melissa Morris Closson, and two sons, Shannon (Araceli) of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Corey (Zaida) of Sayulita, Mexico.  Also surviving in Mexico are four grandchildren: Diego, Daniela, Chloe and Edgar. Ed is survived by one brother, Mike (Anita) of Logansport and one sister, Christine Barr (Tom) of Scottsdale, AZ ; a sister-in-law Shelley Hillis (Fred) of Culver; nieces Erin Hillis Kopplin (Blake) and Lisa Hillis Miller (Craig) and their children : Phoebe, Maclean and Vivy.  He is also survived by many cousins, ( locally – Jim Hendricks, Sue Ridlen, and Jim Mayhill) and many beloved friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. 

 

Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at River of Life Christian Church on Thursday, April 12, 2018, from 2-8 p.m. 

 

Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to “A Cause for Paws", PO Box 1402, or to River of Life Christian Church, 130 Mall Road, both Logansport 46947.