John Bostian

John D. Bostian died Monday October 14, 2019 at the Community Living Center of the VA Hospital in Marion, IL.

He was born May 16, 1937 in Cobden, IL to Eugene and Lucetta (Biggs) Bostian. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1955 until 1975. Surviving are his wife Rebecca (Bigler) Bostian, three children Joni, John, and James; six stepchildren Jaime (Kevin) Hall, Julie Johnson, Leann Jackson, Delores Jackson, Diane (Chris) Phillips and James (Robyn) Jackson; brothers C.D. (Carolyn) Bostian and Frank Bostian; sister Shirley (Ken) Robinson; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had special relationships with his in-laws Danny (Ellie) Bigler, Rhonda Bigler, Vera (Brad) Slankard, Virginia (Erv) Ervin, Douglas (Alice) Bigler and Ruth (Jeff) Dunn.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Glenn and Earl.

While in the military, John served 15 years in Germany and one in Vietnam. He was also stationed at Fort Meade Maryland, Fort Polk Louisiana and at Fort Hood Texas. He returned to Southern Illinois and worked as a manager of Clark stations in Anna, Herrin and Carbondale.

After marriage to Rebecca, they lived in New Hampshire, Virginia, and Kansas before returning to Southern Illinois. He was a Master Gardener in Kansas and Illinois contributing many volunteer hours teaching, maintaining demonstration gardens, and staffing help desks.  He was especially proud of his work on the demonstration gardens at the entrance area to the Governors Mansion in Topeka, the xeriscape gardens at the Topeka Expo center, and teaching the public composting methods.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11am at Mounds National Cemetery.  Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.  Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting with arrangements.

Donations may be made to the CLC Hospice Center at the VA Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.