Published on December 1, 2025 3:14 pm
Last Updated on December 1, 2025 3:14 pm
The world’s most avid Cardinals and Illini fan is now cheering from heaven. Herschel Merwin Cosart passed away on November 28, 2025 doing the second favorite activity he enjoyed—working outdoors. His favorite activity was spending time with and caring for his spouse of 77 years, Rosemary (Riley) Cosart. The love, patience, and kindness Herschel and Rosemary shared with one another provided a true example of a devoted marriage that stood the test of time.
Herschel was a successful salesman who never met a stranger or stopped selling, despite his retirement from Farthings Incorporated in the early 1990s. In his retirement, Herschel became an author writing more than three books. He was famous for his garage sales and loved to negotiate. He was even more well-known for his faith in the Lord. Herschel was a warrior for Jesus who served as an Elder for his Church and was an active Gideon for over 60 years. He distributed Gideon Bibles everywhere he went, from college campuses to the McDonald’s drive thru. When asked where he had been, Herschel always referenced a fictitious place that no one can say (or spell) so he provided specific directions that included locations like Wright’s Corner, Chickenfoot, and Post Oak. He was full of humor and lived life to the absolute fullest. He was an amazing father and grandfather encouraging his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids through countless sporting events, while also making helpful suggestions to the referees and umpires. Although his family is sad to lose their faithful patriarch, they know he is celebrating with his Savior and likely telling Him many stories.
Herschel is survived by his spouse, his five children, Tzena Tucker Laue (Larry) of Shumway, IL, Alan Cosart (Pam) of Spring Branch, TX, Rhonda Cain (Scott) of Deltona, FL, Joe Cosart (Cindy) of Friendswood, TX, and Tanya Summers (Tim) of Fort Worth, TX as well as 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren with three more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, son-in-law, and great-granddaughter.
Services will be held at the First Christian Church, 404 E. Locust St. in Cowden, IL on Friday, December 5, 2025 with visitation from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and funeral service to follow. Private internment will be held at Mound Cemetery with a reception at the Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden is assisting the family. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.