Howard Elwyn Closser

Howard Elwyn Closser, 83, of Washington, died Thursday, August 27, 2009, in Washington County Health Center, following a lengthy illness. He was born September 12, 1925, in Washington, a son of Edna Plants, and was raised by his mother and Clarence Closser. Mr. Closser was an auto mechanic and owned Hank's Auto Repair in South Franklin Township. He played guitar throughout his life and at one time had a band called "Hank and the String Busters." In addition to playing guitar, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Closser was Protestant. On October 8, 1968, he married Dessie Klein, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Cole (Penny) Closser of Avella and Travis (Traci) Closser of Washington; seven daughters, Vickey Crump of Kansas City, Missouri, Suzie (Rex) Cook of Goodyear, Arizona, Sharon Tate of Toronto, Ontario, Sheila "Kim" (John) Angerbrandt and JoAnn "Penny" (Robert) Close, both of Port Huron, Michigan, Laura Reed of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Carla Miller of Washington; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Deceased are his first wife, Mary Lou Roux Closser; and a brother, Carl Closser. Friends will be received Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 31st, with Rev. G. Duane Wolfe officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 100 W. Station Square Drive, # 1950, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1129.