Joshua Michael Anderson, 42, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. Born on July 20, 1982, in Granite City, he was the cherished son of Diana Anderson and Richard Kostoff.
Joshua was a proud graduate of Granite City High School, Class of 2000. He furthered his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from Clarion School of Ministry-CSSM. In his younger years, Joshua was passionate about powerlifting and personal training, competing in numerous national competitions and holding records for his age and weight class in Texas. He was also a sports car enthusiast, with a particular admiration for the Ford Mustang.
At the age of 22, Joshua’s life was forever changed by a tragic motor vehicle accident that left him paralyzed. Despite this heavy burden, he used his brilliant mind to overcome and achieve many great things in his life. He became a mentor, confidante, and inspiration to many others across the country who were fighting their own battles with physical disabilities.
Joshua never took himself or his disability too seriously, and he loved to be lighthearted and joke around. Joshua found peace and solace in the outdoors, taking his beloved chihuahua for walks and spending quality time with his family. His passion for fast cars never waned, and he enjoyed watching NASCAR and attending races at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. He was most comfortable and happy when surrounded by family, especially his little sister, Rikki, whom he absolutely adored.
Joshua will be remembered as a beloved son and grandson, adoring brother, and loving uncle, nephew, and friend. His legacy of kindness, compassion, and love will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Wallace; his paternal grandfather, Richard Kostoff; and his maternal grandfather, Billie Anderson.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his mother, Diana Anderson, of Granite City, Illinois, his father, Richard (Melissa) Kostoff; his grandparents, Carolyn (Richard Freeman) Morthland, Terry (Karen) Schmidt, and Victoria Anderson, and Elizabeth Barcizewski; his siblings, Justin Wallace, Jonathan (Nikki) Wallace, Richard Kostoff, and Rikki Lynn Kostoff; his niece and nephews, Willow Wallace, Jaden Wallace, and Crew Wallace; his aunts and uncle, Kaitlyn Morthland, Melissa Smith, and John Anderson; his cousins, Ethan and Evan Anderson; and many other cousins, relatives, and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Juknis and Joshua’s dedicated caregivers, Deborah McFarland, Tiffany Perry, and Jessica Dean, for their unwavering care and support throughout the years.
Memorials are appreciated to the American Spinal Injury Association. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, with Pastor Mark Maynard officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
