CDP LOSES A COUPLE OF FRIENDS

Word has came to Cordova Dragway Park of the passing of a couple supporters of drag racing. The most recent passing is of Al Close. His obituary information is below. In addition, we understand the Rex Thompson also passed away recently. Rex most recently raced a couple events in 2007 at Cordova and Cedar Falls. We express our sympathy to all that will miss them.

Allan Close, 60, of Coal Valley, died Dec. 26, 2007, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, 6601 38th Ave., Moline. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2. Allan was born Oct. 25, 1947, in Moline, the son of Raymond and Anita Murray Close. He married Janet Brown Aug. 19, 1967, in Coal Valley.

Allan was employed as a tool and die maker and was self-employed at RCP Industries in Moline. He was a member of the Q.C. Ostomy Club and Toastmasters International. He served on the Coal Valley Board of Trustees and was township trustee and Coal Valley supervisor. He was also a trustee of the Coal Valley Fire Protection District. Allan's passion was racing, and he built several successful drag cars in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He built dwarf and modlite race cars and belonged to several of these organizations in the Quad-Cities.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; his sons, Erik, Coal Valley, and Kyle and Danielle, Duluth, Ga.; three grandchildren, Riley, Cait and Adam; two sisters, Sharon and Jim Tolle, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and Mary Loeffler, Colona; and brothers, Dale Close, Florida, Tommie and Shelly Close, Coal Valley, Danny Close, Florida and Wayne and Tammy Close, Rock Island. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be expressed to Allan's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahlmortuary.com.