Don Howard Costilow

Don Howard Costilow was born in Huntsville, TX on August 13, 1935 to Drue and Nezzie Costilow. He went to heaven on May 2, 2017. Growing up, Don spent a lot of time on his grandparent’s farm with his brother Dale. He loved the outdoors, horses and cows. Don graduated from high school in Pasadena, TX where his parents were both teachers. He attended Sam Houston where he received a Bachelors in Agriculture and then a Masters in Criminal Justice. He continued with work towards a PhD but family & life became more important. Don began his career at TDC where he quickly rose to Assistant Warden. He was then Warden at the Wynne and Coffield units. His love of the outdoors and hunting was a huge part of his life. He had a deer lease and basically lived there during hunting season! His kids and grandchildren were his greatest joys. Growing up they spent a great deal of time at the deer camp. After he retired, he moved to the country and farmed catfish and cows. He loved watching the calves in the spring, shooting coyotes and armadillos and driving around in his mule. Don was a quiet man with an abundance of common sense. He was filled with a love of family, God and Texas. He grew to love Texas A&M too and followed Aggies sports with his daughter Donna and grandson Cooper. He always had to time to listen and gave the greatest advice. But he was good about only giving it when asked. He was the first call he kids would make when contemplating “what to do”. He had a total of 6 grandkids and enjoyed hearing stories and spending time with them. Even in the last two years, when challenged with medical issues, Don’s spirit, love and generosity never wavered and even grew. All who were fortunate to call him friend or family, were blessed by his wit and loyalty. Don is survived by his brother Dale Costilow and his family, his daughter, Donna Costilow Wolski, her husband Dave and their children Cooper, London and Arden, his sons Mark Costilow, Luke Costilow, Matthew Terry, his wife Amber and their children Maxwell, Aiden, and Charlotte. Funeral services for Don will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 6th at Sam Houston Funeral Home in Huntsville. Visitation will be Friday, May 5th from 6:00 to 8:00.

Don Howard Costilow

August 13, 1935 - May 2, 2017