Dayton Leon Close
1933-2026
Dayton Leon Close, of Martinsburg, W.Va., made his final journey across that river to join those who went before him on February 25, 2026, at Hospice of the Panhandle Inpatient Facility, with his loved ones by his side.
Born February 16, 1933, in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., he was the son of the late Vernon Glenwood Close and Elsie Pauline (Frock) Close.
Leon was a member of Greensburg United Methodist Church and a graduate of Berkeley Springs High School, Class of 1951.
He was one of the founders of the Berkeley Springs Apple Butter Festival. He was an avid golfer and a devoted West Virginia Mountaineers fan. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for those in need.
From a young age, Leon worked alongside his father in home construction. He built his first home in the early 1950s and went on to become a highly respected contractor, landlord and entrepreneur. Over the course of his long and dedicated career, he built thousands of homes across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities he served.
Leon will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 31 years of marriage in November, Deloris Butler Close, with whom he shared many cherished years. He is survived by his siblings: Bonnie Close, Thomas Close and wife Cynthia, Timothy Close and wife Ruth Ann and brother-in-law Jerry Massey. He is also survived by his children: Debbie Hackney, Elizabeth Phipps, David Close and wife Brenda; Joan Caracappa and husband Joe, Jim Close and wife Susan and Kelli Immel and husband Michael. He was a beloved grandfather to Lauren Hackney and husband Jeff Ponitz, Amanda Watson and husband Dustin, Heather Phipps and wife Susan, Katie Close, Kristin Caracappa and husband Allen Craft; Kevin Close, Dr. Erin Hillborn and husband Zachary, Tiffany Orlando and husband Matthew, Brian Close and wife Kinsey and Hilary Jeanette and husband James. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dawn Massey; sons-in-law Dr. Cameron Hackney and Jeffrey Phipps and his in-laws, Albert and Mary Elizabeth Butler.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at The Brown Funeral Home South Berkeley Chapel in Inwood. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the chapel with Pastor Timothy Close officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Panhandle Arrangements made by Brown Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomes WV.com.