Bob Bost, Sr., 65, who coached basketball at the high school and middle school level in Evanston for 29 years and served as an assistant principal at Haven Middle School, died Tuesday after a long bout with cancer and heart disease.

A 1964 graduate of Evanston Township High School, Bost was the starting center on the school’s basketball team and coached baseball at the school for 20 years, according to Chris Livatino, ETHS athletic director.

After high school, he was drafted as an outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and played baseball for three summers in the minor leagues before moving on to attend college at Kentucky State University.

After earning  his degree, Bost returned to Evanston and taught physical education and science at Haven, where he retired in 2002 as an assistant principal. He continued to work as a substitute teacher in District 65 schools.

Levatino said that Bost joined the coaching staff at ETHS in 1983 as a baseball coach and continued coaching basketball at the high school after his retirement from Haven until 2011.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the House of Thompson, 1917 Asbury Ave. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Ebenezer AME Church, 1109 Emerson St.
 

A resident of Evanston since 1975, Chuck Bartling holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and has extensive experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, radio...

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5 Comments

  1. RIP Mr. Bost he was the

    RIP Mr. Bost he was the nicest guy im going to miss seeing him and talk to him abot everything and everyting!!!!! RIP #MR.BOST

     

  2. NIce Guy

    I was sad to hear, Mr Bost passed away, both my kids were taught by him at Haven.  I aways enjoyed  talking to him.

  3. Best teacher & role model ever

    I had not thought of Mr. Bost, who taught my 7th grade science class, in years (decades), but something brought him to mind this morning. When I googled him and found this, I was greatly saddened. He was a wonderful teacher and fantastic role model, and he died far too young. Much respect.

  4. Very Sorry to Hear This

    Every now and then my thoughts go back to childhood in Evanston.  Today was one such day.

    I never had Bob Bost as a teacher while at Haven Middle School.  But I always got the impression he was well-liked by both students and fellow faculty.  Rest in peace.

    1. Robert Bost
      He was my friend in a time when colors weren’t crossed. We both loved to listen to Ray Charles…a Gentleman, coach, principal, mentor and one smooth dancer who knew the boundaries and showed respect. We were well met, as was everyone he connected with. Doll, my heart hurts with your family’s loss. Please know you are blessed to have had him in your life, you are his queen, his children were his pride & joy. I was just his friend from a different side of town. He spoke about you every time, always with love…

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