David Lee Costner, 68, of Palm Springs, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, Calif. Mr. Costner was born in Upland, Calif. on October 6, 1944 and raised by his parents, Frank and Faye Costner, both ordained ministers of the Assemblies of God Church. After graduating from Pomona High School in 1962, he received his BA from Southern California College - Vanguard, Costa Mesa, Calif. in 1967. Volunteering to serve in the United States Marine Corps in 1967, he served honorably as a Corporal until 1973. In 1972, he received his Master's Degree in Education from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. He continued his education at Cal State Fullerton between 1973 - 1976; and USC in 1979. In 1997, he received certification as a Chief Business Official in Public School Business Administration from the State of California. In 1969, at the age of 25, he started his 35 year career in Education as a public school teacher in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. After moving into the roles of Vice Principal and Principal, at 36, he took on the role of Superintendent of Schools in Zillah, Wash. There, he helped to build one the first of many schools over the course of his career. In 1981, the new $12 million middle school featured the latest available solar technology. In 1990, Mr. Costner moved to Palm Springs, Calif. to take on the role of Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, CFO, at Palm Springs Unified School District, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. In his retirement, both he and his wife purchased and donated toys to children of active duty Marines in the Coachella Valley. During his tenure at PSUSD, he guided the district through two periods of financial crisis in 1992 and 2003; as well as the passage of multiple bond elections generating over $140 million in local funds, and over $80 million in matching state funds. He set aside $8.9 million for new schools while maintaining a healthy reserve which allowed for the building of three new high schools, two middle schools and six elementary schools; as well as laying the paths for the building of the new Rancho Mirage High School and the new Service Center yard. He once said, "Trying to keep a school district solvent is like trying to tie your shoes with your teeth, while someone is holding your hands." He was proud of his work and wrote that, "Every dollar you save in the operational costs of the district, you make dollars available for the students." He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol Costner; and their two children, Jason Costner and Petra Costner. He was preceded in death by sisters Joanna Ruth Costner and Patricia Branstetter. Relatives, friends and colleagues are invited to an evening visitation on Thursday, August 15, 2013 between 4 PM to 8 PM at Forest Lawn Ramon Chapel, 69855 Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, Calif. Church Services start at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 16, 2013 at Desert Chapel, 630 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, Calif., followed by graveside internment at Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall, Cathedral City. Forest Lawn Indio is in charge of arrangements.
