Loren Dean Close, 90, of Collinsville, IL, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2026, at Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, IL. He was born on February 11, 1936, in Mulberry, KS, to parents William and Blanche (nee Evans) Close.

On April 18th, 1964, Loren married the love of his life, Valeda Ann Close. They met at a bowling alley where Valeda had made a bet with him that she would win their bowling match. Loren lost the match that day but as he would always say, he won when it came to her love. They remained happily married and unconditionally in love until Valeda's passing in 2024. Not a day went by where Loren didn't miss her, and there's comfort in knowing they are reunited.

Loren was a proud retired veteran from the United States Air Force. Having served twenty years, he took that dedication and channeled it into being a mentor for those interested in joining in the military. Recruiting just came naturally to him which made him such a positive influence for those enlisting. After retiring from his military career, Loren worked for McDonnell Douglas.

The military life often took Loren and his family on adventures in new places. While his son, Loren, Jr., was born in Kansas in 1970; his daughter, DeAnna, was born in Idaho in 1972. For two years after that, they lived in Germany before moving to Collinsville in 1975. Moving around so much meant Loren was able to form friendships from all different walks of life and locations. He cherished those friendships and would often open up his own home to those in need. Most who knew him would say their life was better because he was in it. Once they relocated to Collinsville, Loren and Valeda became active members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Collinsville 

Loren was a known jokester and all around active person. He loved camping, boating, and going out for jeep rides. He had a passion for airplanes and fighter jets, and a natural knack for fixing things. He spent a lot of time teaching his son construction and mechanics. Not to leave quality time with DeAnna out, her brother would often come home to their dad tossing a ball around with her in the yard; a place where he taught her to "fight like a girl". Loren's family, friendships, and family pets were everything to him - each pet often getting their own nickname, sometimes in that joking tone of his, "don't come back".

He is survived by his children, DeAnna Close and Loren (Angela) Close, Jr; grandchildren, Andrew Huckla, Nathaniel (Jordan) Huckla, Zachary Doussard, Madalyn Close, Ashlin Close, and Brooklin Close; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial visitation will be held from the Chapel of Herr Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 10 am until the hour of service at noon. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026. Memorial donations may be made to VITAS Hospice.