Born in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Dennis Wytle Costner and Constance "Connie" Sain Costner. Mr. Costner was a lifetime member of Palm Tree United Methodist Church, Lawndale Masonic Lodge#486 where he was past master, a member of the Scottish Rite and Oasis Shrine Temple. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  As long as his health permitted, he was active in community service working with the Jaycees, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. He was owner and operator of Costner Motors, and formerly employed with Carolina Freight and Jim White Auto. Mr. Costner was dedicated to the citizens of Cleveland County where he served them for over thirty years in the Sheriff's office and concluded his service as their sheriff.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Norris and Bob Costner.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Anita Whitener Costner; son & daughter-in-law, Jeff & Sandy Costner of Cherryville; daughter, Sheila Costner Craven of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother, Ken Costner of Lawndale; sister, Sharon Chudalski of Wingate; grandchildren, Adam Siniard of Brevard and Morgan Costner of Cherryville and two great grandchildren, Ethan & Ayden Siniard.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00PM Monday at Palm Tree United Methodist Church.

The funeral service will be at 3:00PM Monday at Palm Tree United Methodist Church with Revs. Scott Owen and Mike Harrill officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites and Cleveland County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Cleveland County 951 Wendover Heights Dr. Shelby, NC 28150 or to Palm Tree Life Enrichment Center PO Box 157 Lawndale, NC 28090.

A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com