Obituary
Guest Book
Michael Lee Costilow, age 65, of Jackson, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1960, to Earlin “Bud” and Linda Costilow.
A graduate of Jackson High School, Michael pursued many careers throughout his life, working at Merillat, Cross and Sons, and Bellisio, before dedicating more than 20 years to Kenworth.
Mike was deeply involved in his community. He was active with the Jaycees in both Jackson, Ohio, and Harrisonburg, Virginia, as well as with JAFE and the Kiwanis Club of Jackson. He was also a devoted parent, serving in leadership roles with the PTO and coaching multiple sports for his children and their friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Earlin “Bud” Costilow; his father-in-law, Harold Davis; and his beloved son, Joshua Costilow.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Costilow; his mother, Linda Costilow; and his daughters, Anna (Derek) Creamer and Erika McNerlin (JR Neal). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Macen, Bentley, Benjamin, Hailey, Max, Davis, and Easton.
Michael is also survived by his brothers, Mark Costilow and Mitch (Cindy) Costilow; his sister, Melody (Toby) Mannering; his mother-in-law, Shirley Taylor; his sister-in-law, Brenda (Tom) Perry; his brothers-in-law, Bryan (Jill) Davis and Mike (Rebecca) Davis; as well as many nieces and nephews.
If you knew Mike, you knew he was a fighter who carried his faith throughout his journey. He was a man of strength and resilience, always showing up for his grandchildren’s events – sometimes traveling to multiple towns in a single day to be there. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but especially by his grandchildren, who will miss seeing him in the stands and the outfield, cheering them on and offering his loving critiques.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 4-8 PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the funeral home with Pastor Max Stafford officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mike’s name to Calvary United Methodist Church, 483 Chillicothe St., Jackson, Ohio 45640. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more