Robert James Costen

Robert J. Costen, 88, was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, 6 June 2016. He had been in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for an extended illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret Manlove Costen; his three sons, James Evans, Robert Kent, and Timothy John Costen; daughter, Ann Costen Nelson and her husband Mark. Bob is also survived by ten precious grandchildren and four great grandchildren who were all dearly loved by him.

Bob served in the U.S. Army in Germany at the end of WWII and was part of the occupational army. He worked in General Eisenhower’s office and was an MP at the Nuremberg Trials. After his time in the military, Bob returned home, attended and graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. He later received his Master’s degree from Richmond Professional Institute. Bob taught seventh grade for one year at Great Bridge High School and Distributive Education for 18 years at Maury High School.

Bob, with his wife and family, were privileged to minister in the Bahamas, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and most of the United States and Canada. He entered full-time ministry in 1969 although he had been ministering since the late 1950’s.

The Funeral Service will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Sat. June 11, 2016, 3pm, and Mark Nelson, his son-in-law, will speak. The burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. The visitation will be Friday, June 10, 2016 at the funeral home. Pall Bearers: Robert Kent Costen, Bobby Costen, Andrew Nelson, Zach Costen, T.J. Costen and John White. Please visit www.woodlawngroup.com to leave a message of comfort for the family.

A very special thanks to Doctor Charles Lisner and his staff for their dedicated care for many, many years.