Thomas Joseph Costello, 96, passed away November 21, 2020 at home in Ozark, MO surrounded by his loving family from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
Thomas was born on January 10, 1924 in East St. Louis Illinois to Daniel and Mamie (Delehanty) Costello. As a young man, he joined the CCC prior to enlisting with the military. He served with the 3rd Batallion, 3rd Marines in the Pacific at Samoa, New Zealand, Guadacanal, Bougainville, and Marshall Islands and engagements of Empress Augusta Bay, Guam, and Iwo Jima where he witnessed raising of the American Flag on Mount Suribachi.
On return home from service to his country, he was employed with the Illinois Central Railroad where he worked for 42 years.
He was united in marriage on June 22, 1950 to Rosalie Hilligoss and together they lived in Washington Park, Illinois until 1977 when they relocated to Branson, MO.
Thomas was preceded in death by his cherished wife Rosalie, a son, James Thomas, and 10 sibilings, brothers Daniel, Edgar, Vincent, William, and sisters Genevive, Grace, Mary, Catherine, Louise and Arnoldine.
He is survived by a daughter, Nancy Austin and Brad of Ozark; one granddaughter, Stephanie England and Trent; four grandsons, David Austin, James Costello, Ryan Costello, and Matthew Costello; a special niece, Linda Crouch; two great-grandchildren Addilyn and Carson England; and many other beloved family and countless friends.
Thomas will always be remembered for his generosity and easygoing nature. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the crarity of your choice is suggested.