By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
  • Visitation

    Sunday September 5, 2021

    11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, West Salem, IL

  • Service

    Sunday September 5, 2021

    1:00 p.m.

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, West Salem, IL

  • Full Obituary

    John C. Koster, 70, of West Salem, IL, passed away on August 31, 2021, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born on June 20, 1951, to Emil and Mabel (Greatline) Koster in Cynthiana, Indiana.  He married Joyce Carter on August 15, 1975.

    John enjoyed playing cards, going to auctions, scrapping, spending time with family and friends, and going out to eat.  He loved to bargain shop and finding the “good” bargains.  In his younger years, he loved building derby cars and running in the area derbies.  He also loved sitting around shooting the breeze with anyone who would listen and having a few beers.

    He served in the United States Army from 1968-1971.  He was stationed in Berlin, Germany and patrolled the wall during this time.  After returning from the service, he worked at Champion Laboratories, Inc for 45 years and 9 months and retired from there.

    He is survived by 2 daughters, Amy (Randy) Bell of Bone Gap, Andrea (Wayne) Harper of West Salem, and 1 son Fred Koster of West Salem.  Seven grandchildren, Zack Hayes of Chandler, Indiana, Makenze and Makaylee Bell of Bone Gap, and Cierra, Alexis, Armond, and Lucas of West Salem.  A mother-in-law, Betty Carter of Lawrenceville, a brother-in-law, James Cash of Bennett, Colorado and a beloved dog Dixie.  Many close and dear friends also survive.

    John is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, a sister- Alice Cash, his parents and a father-in-law Doran Carter.

    A service will be held on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at 1 pm with a visitation from 11 am - 1 pm at Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home in West Salem.  Masks will be required.  Final military rites will be conducted at the graveside.

    Family requests everyone to dress casually.

    Memorials may be made to the family for final expenses and envelopes will be available.

    Condolences may be shared with the family @www.meridithfuneralhome.com

    Interment:  Macedonia Cemetery, Rural West Salem, IL

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home, West Salem, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

8 Condolences
 
  1. Linda Saxe / September 2, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    Condolences to the family.
    So sorry to hear of John’s passing.
    He was a classmate, and a friend.

  2. Curtis Ingram / September 2, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    John was honest,truthful and dependable,if he told you he would do something,you could count on it.
    You have our sympathy.
    Curtis & Dolores Ingram

  3. Dan Jackson / September 2, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    I will miss him and his generosity in always lending a helping hand. Mostly just his smile and ability to shoot the breeze at a moments notice whenever he sees a friend. Fly High young man,you will be missed.

  4. louella kortge / September 2, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    Worked with jOHN At Champ and he was a very good person to work around and was helpful and friendly to everyone and Joyce was also a sweet lady and sending my thoughts and cares to his family

  5. Billy Arnold / September 2, 2021 at 9:36 pm

    so sorry to hear about Johnn. One of my closest friends from 4th grade thru Hi school. We were in FFA together. Loved to go pest hunting with John, had many good times together. Will miss John.

  6. Glenna and Quinn Hunley / September 2, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy to have grew up and worked with. He and Quinn always had to talk about auctions and scrapping. We will miss him and the love for you all. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Big hugs also

  7. Barbara Lodwig Northern / September 2, 2021 at 10:44 pm

    I remember John as always being ready to lend a hand. He will be missed.

  8. Sherry Harder / September 3, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    Prayers for you all…your folks are together once more!💝💝 You have had to be strong and we know God will continue to help you as only He can. Thank you for the phone call and messages…i appreciate it so much! Love u all…

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