So, we the daughters of Thomas Costill, will attempt to put into words a brief history of the life of our Dad. After several attempts to put his life in chronological order, we gave up. Dad did so many things in his life. He was a storyteller, father, soldier, world traveler, a dancer in the Russian Ballet, carpenter, bar owner, missionary and world-class procrastinator.
His first job was delivering newspapers. He worked as a truck driver for Polsky’s department store. He built tires for B.F. Goodrich (when Akron was still the Rubber Capital of the World). He learned carpentry from his first father-in-law and was a Master Carpenter. Dad served in the Army. He often spoke fondly of his time in Germany, but never of his time in Korea. Dad had a brief stint in the early 1960’s with semi-pro football team called the Akron Vulcans. He bought his first bar around 1960; Tom’s Bar on South Street in Akron. He moved from Akron to Mantua in the early 1970’s, and bought Crossroads Tavern in the early 1980’s.
If there was a world record for running out of gas, Dad would hold it. He loved to help people and was generous to a fault. And we have the bar tabs to prove it! Dad loved started projects, but had a hard time finishing them. He was a lifelong learner, but hated school.
Dad loved to travel and had adventures at various places around the world. He never turned down an opportunity to go.
Dad was a faithful and humble servant of the Lord. He put others needs before his own. He was gracious, generous and forgiving. He had a full and amazing life. Well done, Dad. Well done.
Dad is survived by his daughters, Kim (Dan) Frazier, Karen (Brad) Rust, Michelle (Jason) Dean, grandsons, Kyle Kirby, Ben Rust, and Joshua Dean; granddaughters Lydia Rust, Betsy Rust, Alexis Costill, Hannah Dean and great grand children, Georgia Rust and Parker Pavilonis-Rust.
A private military service will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman on Friday, November 15 at noon. A reception with light refreshments will be held at Michelle and Jason Dean's (96 N. River Rd., Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262), from 4-7 p.m..