Eric Clayton Close

Rick “Eric” Close whose successful labor relations career took him from historic Marietta, Ohio, through the rugged oil fields of Louisiana and Texas died here late last week after waging a 14-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

Mr. Close, of Lewis Center, died at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center where he was transported after a fall at home.

In 2008, he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and given just months to live. But live he did and for the next decade and one-half saw his family flourish and his loving bond with his grandsons grow.

Mr. Close’s success story began in Ohio’s oldest city where his play on the Marietta High School baseball team drew professional scouts. But, upon graduation, he entered Marietta College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and later a master’s degree from University of West Virginia.

The degrees would take him to a 38-year career with Degussa Corporation, an international leader in oil and chemical production. Mr. Close worked in Human Relations for the company specializing in labor relations in postings to Louisiana and Texas as well as manufacturing center in New Jersey.

Every new assignment would be eagerly scouted for good schools for his growing family and good golf courses to be challenged. His love of sports never subsided and often served as his template for teaching his children a sense of fair play, the value of friendships, and the determination to face the unexpected with a smile and good humor.

Throughout the travels dictated by his career, Mr. Close was supported by his wife Teresa (Brammer) who he had met in high school, married in college and with whom he celebrated 48-years of devotion.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Close is survived by their two daughters, Amy (Troy) Vennon and Molly (Max) Wagner and their son Matt (Angie) Close. He is also survived by his four grandsons, Anthony and Joseph Heuser and Grant and George Wagner.

Arrangements are being made through Schoedinger Funeral Home in Worthington with services to be scheduled at St Mary’s in German Village.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Brain Cancer Awareness Fund. https://thecurestartsnow.org/who-we-are/mission/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2eDU2e32-QIVEs6zCh10-QFaEAAYAiAAEgIsIfD_BwE