Anthony “Tony” John Koste, age 77 of Collinsville, IL passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at St. Louis University Hospital.
Tony was born on March 31, 1945, in East St. Louis, IL to the late Walter and Emma (nee McMillin) Koste. He married Nancy Schwartz on June 24, 1967, and they had two daughters, Kim and Debbie.
Tony graduated from Assumption High School in 1964. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1966 to 1971 and became a Specialist 5 in the 219th Transportation Company. He was particularly proud of his work as a Crew Chief on the Huey helicopter. He worked at Granite City Steel and was a member of the United Steelworkers of America retiring in 1997 after 31 years of service. He also farmed soybeans and wheat for years. He was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1051 in Collinsville for many years.
He loved singing Elvis, playing the organ, and also enjoyed his hobbies of collecting classic model cars and working on his model train display. In his younger years, he loved camping, boating, and time spent at his clubhouse on the Kaskaskia River.
He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who adored his family and friends and loved when someone came to see him to drink a beer and sing with him. He was extremely proud of his grandson Connor and adored his many nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Koste; two daughters: Kim (Dwight) Lindhorst of Troy, IL, and Debbie Koste of Collinsville, IL; a grandson, Connor Lindhorst of Troy, IL; four siblings: Barbara Penn of Collinsville, IL, Carol Harmon of Collinsville, IL, Terry (Sue) Koste of Collinsville, IL and Sherry (Chuck) Markezich of Maryville, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the funeral home with Rev. Roger Wright officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home at 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
