Earnest O’Neal Costilow departed this life on Sunday, May 23, 2021, anticipating a better home to come. Earnest (Bud) was born April 25, 1930 in Salem WV, a son of the late Joseph and Jennie (Davis) Costilow.
In addition to his parents, Earnest was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Costilow, two sisters, Mary Jo (Costilow) Boyer, and Doris Jean (Costilow) Powell, and one granddaughter, Alana Lea Robinson.
Earnest is survived by the love of his life, Mildred Marie (Shields) Costilow, whom he married on December 23, 1949. Together they were blessed with four wonderful, thoughtful, respectful children; Betty Robinson (Greg), Bill Costilow (Rita), Robert Costilow (Denise), and Barbara Mumbauer (William); five grandchildren, Jason Costilow, Matthew Robinson, Alicia Wright, Bethany Baldwin, and Patrick Costilow; three step-grandchildren, Greg Roberts, Julie Roberts, and Jeremy Chandler; and numerous great, and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are Earnest’s four sisters, Nelda Stevens, Fran Gracco, Bernice Robertson, and Ona Martin, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Earnest attended Doddridge County High School, dropping out just prior to his senior year to help support his family. Years later while working and raising his own family he completed his high school education by obtaining his GED. After holding various jobs in Central WV, Earnest moved his family to Cleveland, Ohio, where he found employment with General Motors. During that time he was elected and served for 10 years as a UAW District Committee Man, resolving problems between employees and management. With only 2-1/2 days missed for sickness in his 30 years of employment with General Motors, Earnest retired and he and Mildred returned to their farm home on England’s Run Rd., in Doddridge County, where they enjoyed the country life.
Throughout his life, Earnest was aware of his unworthiness, but, after a wonderful personal experience with the Lord, he was left with a tremendous burden for witnessing to the unsaved people around him, and a willingness to forgive others of their faults. He found it his calling to spend his break times at work distributing Christian literature to fellow employees, and his free time outside of work knocking on doors, inviting people to church and offering to provide transportation if needed. While in Cleveland, Earnest was a member of The Christian Missionary Alliance Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Sunday School Superintendent, and Elder, and Chairman of a very active Board of Deacons. After moving back to WV, Earnest became a member of the Smithburg United Methodist Church, where he held and served in various positions, including becoming a Certified Lay Speaker, which he enjoyed doing until having to give it up due to developing Macular Degeneration.
Funeral services will be conducted in the Spurgeon Funeral Home 56 Front St. West Union on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Davis presiding. Interment will follow in the Masonic Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. and after 9 a.m. on Thursday until time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.spurgeonfunerals.com. Spurgeon Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Costilow family.