John Costen
Shockley, 80
GEORGETOWN, Del. - John Costen Shockley passed away on May 30, 2022.
Costen was born on February 08, 1942 to Chester and Dorothy Shockley in Georgetown, Del. Costen graduated from Georgetown High School in 1960. Costen was an elite athlete and starred in baseball, football, and basketball.
After graduating, Costen was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and began his dream of becoming a major league baseball player. In 1964, after a stellar minor league career, Costen received his call-up to the Phillies. He hit a homerun in his second at bat while playing the Cincinnati Reds. Costen was later traded to the California Angels and was their opening day first baseman in 1965. After his baseball career, Costen returned to Georgetown and spent over 30 years in the construction business with IA Construction.
Costen was married to Mary Lou (Parker) for 32 years, until her passing in 1994. Together, they had two sons, Curt and Jeff. For many years, they spent most of their time watching their boys play various sports. In their spare time, they enjoyed spending their weekends on First St. in Bethany Beach.
In 2001, Costen married Susan (Johnson) and they were married for 20 years. They enjoyed golfing together and following their grandchildren's sporting events and celebrating their achievements. A favorite trip was to Sunset Beach, N.C. with a group of very special friends.
Costen enjoyed coaching in the Georgetown Little League and sharing his wealth of knowledge with the kids. One of his proudest moments was helping to coach his son Jeff's team become the 1981 Senior League World Champions. Costen was an avid hunter and loved hearing the dogs run a rabbit. He enjoyed golfing and was a long-time member of Sussex Pines CC and Mulligans Point. He was also a born again Christian and enjoyed attending Crossroads Community Church.
Costen was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Lou (Parker); his father, Chester; and his mother, Dorothy.
Costen is survived by his siblings, Shirley Passwaters (Charles), Edward Shockley (Diane), Marian Hernandez (David), Joyce Davidson, Faye Slatcher (Harold), Joseph Shockley (Carol); wife, Susan; sons, Curt (Angie), Jeff (Pam); grandsons, Ryan (Ashlyn), Travis (Emily), Luke, Bo (Courtney); granddaughters, Ella and Paige (Brady); great-grandson, Jack Costen Shockley; step-daughters, Julie (Rob), Rebecca (Brent), Kate (Brian); step-grandchildren, Eden, Miranda, Franny; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, Del. Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com