Cline Fred Preston

1927 - 2021

Cline Fred Preston
July 5, 1927 - January 31, 2021

Cline Fred Preston, age 93, of Declo, passed away, Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Highland Estates in Burley.
He was born on July 5, 1927, in Declo, Idaho to Cline and Emma Preston. He loved growing up in Declo with his older sister, Maye, and younger brother, Joe.

In June of 1945, Fred convinced his mother to let him join the United States Navy even though he was just 17 years old at the time. He served his country on the USS Kasaan Bay in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Fred married Barbara Jensen in 1947. In July of 1948, they welcomed a son, Murray, and a daughter, Nancy, who joined the family in November 1952. Fred and Barbara later divorced.

In March of 1966, Fred married Joyce Anthon and delighted in adding three children: Marilyn, Leslie, and Michael to the family. Fred and Joyce welcomed another daughter, Valerie, in August 1968. Together they raised their family on the farm in Declo where he was raised.
Fred loved the great outdoors. The mountains often called to him and he spent many hours on horseback wandering through the sagebrush and pines. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his younger years, he was a well-known guide for cougar and bear hunts. As a sportsman, Fred enjoyed being involved in the National Rifle Association, Sportsman for Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and the West Magic Dam Fools.

Serving his country had a profound effect on Fred and he was very proud to be a World War II Veteran. He treasured his service in the American Legion offering his time and knowledge in various positions. Throughout the years he served as the Commander of Post 144, the 5th District Commander, Area Vice Commander with the Department of Idaho, and remained a member of Post 144 for many years. He loved the American flag and all it represented. Fred and George Maas promoted flag education in the Mini-Cassia area schools. One of Fred's favorite things was participating in the Veteran's Day program held each year at Declo Elementary, it was something he looked forward to every year.

Fred was always actively involved in the community. The Declo Hills held a special place in his heart because he had ridden in those hills since childhood. Fred and Frank Gillette fought hard to protect the Declo Hills from being purchased and becoming privately owned. He also looked forward to chatting with Zeb Bell on the radio, discussing various current events and offering his opinion.

Above all else, Fred loved his wife and cherished his family. They were his pride and joy and he loved them dearly. Fred enjoyed loading up a kid and taking them out on the four-wheeler to ride down the canal or to check the fields. Fred raised a variety of game birds and chickens. The grandkids relished in chasing the chickens, especially when Grandpa wasn't looking. Fishing and camping were some of Fred's favorite pastimes to share with his family. He spent a lot of time doing both while creating wonderful memories. Memories that will be held deep within our hearts and cherished.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Cline Preston; his mother, Emma Preston; his brother, Joseph Preston; his beloved son, Murray Preston, an infant son; and a great-great-grandson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce; his sister, Clea Maye Wilkinson (Lloyd, deceased); his sister-law, Doris Preston; his daughter, Nancy Peterson; his daughter, Marilyn Osterhout (Rodney); his son, Leslie (Kim); his son, Mike (Brenda); his daughter, Valerie Loveland (Chauncey); and his grandchildren, Gene Peterson, Amber Peterson, Terri Rodriquez (Manuel), David Preston (April), Susanne Campbell (Kelly), Heather Gonzalez, Melanie Osterhout Clark (Hank), Mindy Osterhout Vail (Scott), Marlea Osterhout Rowley (Ted), Jason Armstrong, Jeff Preston (Jaclyn), Tony Preston (Nancy), Shannon Bach (Joseph), and Megan DeWaal (Dallen). He is also survived by 35 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 13, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, 213 W. Main, with Bishop Wayne Hurst officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will be in Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Saturday, from noon until 12:45 p.m.
For those unable to attend the funeral in person, a webcast will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com.

To assist in mitigating COVID-19, the wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed at the viewing and funeral service.