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PITTSBURG —
Terry R. Close, 72, of Pittsburg, won the victory, entering into heaven’s gates from his earthly home Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 6:25 p.m.
He was born in a small home on west Fourth Street to A. Raymond and Martha Rosetta (Rowe) Close on February 14, 1940. He attended Pittsburg schools, graduating high school with the Pittsburg Class of 1958. Terry was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was recognized All-SEK and All-State in basketball.
In 1963, he earned a BA degree in Art from what is now Pittsburg State University. Five years later, he was awarded a MS Art degree also from PSU. That fall (1968), he began his twenty-nine year educational career when he became the art teacher at Southeast High School in Cherokee, Kansas. His students won numerous local, state, and nationally-sponsored art contests.
When Terry retired in 1997 from SEHS, he founded God of Fire Ministries International (GOFMI). His ministry to the Master Artist (Jesus) was worldwide through sharing his art skill in sculpture, painting, music, dance in praise and worship, and drama. Terry dedicated his life to apostolic and missionary work locally, encouraging missionary workers who go abroad, networking with ministries locally and nationwide, ministering to individuals on a daily basis, and radio broadcasting on the world-wide web. GOFMI is affiliated with Evangelistic Messenger’s Association, Inc.
Terry’s wife of forty-seven years, Debby (Ossana) Close, survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughter, Audra D. Close Tinnin (John) from Grandview, Missouri; a beloved pet, Maddy; mother-in-law, Ava M. Ossana; brother-in-law, Kenny J. Ossana; niece, Penelope L. Fletcher (Kelley) from Independence, Missouri; great-nieces and nephews; one aunt, Lanora Rowe Hart; numerous cousins, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
The family will receive visitors from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at the Brenner Mortuary. The Celebration of Terry’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 5 at Open Door Fellowship, located west of Hwy 69 bypass at 20th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas, with Pastors Dennis Lorenz and John Rank officiating. Following the Celebration of Life, graveside services will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be written to Open Door Fellowship. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS. 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
Terry R. Close, 72, of Pittsburg, won the victory, entering into heaven’s gates from his earthly home Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 6:25 p.m.
He was born in a small home on west Fourth Street to A. Raymond and Martha Rosetta (Rowe) Close on February 14, 1940. He attended Pittsburg schools, graduating high school with the Pittsburg Class of 1958. Terry was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was recognized All-SEK and All-State in basketball.
In 1963, he earned a BA degree in Art from what is now Pittsburg State University. Five years later, he was awarded a MS Art degree also from PSU. That fall (1968), he began his twenty-nine year educational career when he became the art teacher at Southeast High School in Cherokee, Kansas. His students won numerous local, state, and nationally-sponsored art contests.
When Terry retired in 1997 from SEHS, he founded God of Fire Ministries International (GOFMI). His ministry to the Master Artist (Jesus) was worldwide through sharing his art skill in sculpture, painting, music, dance in praise and worship, and drama. Terry dedicated his life to apostolic and missionary work locally, encouraging missionary workers who go abroad, networking with ministries locally and nationwide, ministering to individuals on a daily basis, and radio broadcasting on the world-wide web. GOFMI is affiliated with Evangelistic Messenger’s Association, Inc.
Terry’s wife of forty-seven years, Debby (Ossana) Close, survives of the home. Other survivors include his daughter, Audra D. Close Tinnin (John) from Grandview, Missouri; a beloved pet, Maddy; mother-in-law, Ava M. Ossana; brother-in-law, Kenny J. Ossana; niece, Penelope L. Fletcher (Kelley) from Independence, Missouri; great-nieces and nephews; one aunt, Lanora Rowe Hart; numerous cousins, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
The family will receive visitors from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at the Brenner Mortuary. The Celebration of Terry’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 5 at Open Door Fellowship, located west of Hwy 69 bypass at 20th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas, with Pastors Dennis Lorenz and John Rank officiating. Following the Celebration of Life, graveside services will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be written to Open Door Fellowship. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS. 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
