Leroy Robert Costley, born April 18, 1928, passed away on July 11, 2025 at the age of 97. A proud veteran, and loyal friend, Lee lived a long and meaningful life devoted to his family.
Born in St. Louis in 1928, Lee, a WWII veteran, served his country with honor in 1946 and 1947 as part of the United States Army Air Corps. After his service, he worked at Emerson Electric and then embarked on a 37-year career at McDonnell Douglas where he ended his tenure as a quality programmer.
Lee was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
His legacy lives on in the generations that follow — a testament to his values of hard work, integrity, and humility.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Ann Costley (Manfredi), parents Lorene Costley (Wicker) and Leroy Costley, siblings Marie and Norman, niece Linda and nephew Ralph.
Survived by his loving wife Mary Ann Schwer-Costley (Hill), his brother Ron, his children Steven and Michael, his stepchildren Steven, Rick, Kevin and Gina, his nieces Cindy, Diane, Cindy, Ronda, Stephanie, Nicole, and nephews Randall and Christopher.
Lee was a proud grandfather to Justin, Michael, Ryan, Steven, Nicholas, Marisa and Abigail, step-grandfather to Ryan, Jason, Nick, Krista, Tony, Kerby, Brandon, Brianna, Jessica, Lexie, and loving great-grandfather to 26.
Lee loved playing golf and traveling and the fullness of his life reminds us that the greatest legacies are often found not in grand gestures, but in quiet examples of loyalty, love, and a life well-lived.
May he rest in peace.
SERVICES: Visitation from Kutis Funeral Home (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129) on Wednesday July 16th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services, Thursday July 17, 12:00 p.m. with funeral procession following to Bellerive Cemetary
R.I.P., Lee. ~much love, Allen & Carole
I will miss you so much Uncle Lee. You are/were a special and loving man. I was blessed to know you and to have you as my Uncle. You told the best stories and your kind heart was felt by everyone who knew you. May you rest in peace with those you loved that went before you. I will see you again, that I am certain of.
With so much Love, Ronda
Rest in peace, Lee you are always such a fun person to be around ,always enjoyed you and Maryann
So sorry for your loss he was a great person prayers for all of your family love uou