Edward John Preston

1933 - 2017

August 12, 1933 - December 17, 2017
Colonel Edward John Preston, Jr., 84, passed peacefully Sunday, December 17, 2017 at his home in Kingsville, Texas, where he had resided since 1993. Edward is survived by his four children, Lisa Preston Belcher, Robert Preston, Edward Preston III, and Karl Preston; and six grandchildren: Monica Rambo, Rebecca Whitton, Eric Belcher, Emily Rose Belcher, Andrew Preston, and Benjamin Preston.
Born in San Benito, Texas to parents Edward "Tony" J. Preston, Sr. and Vivian G. Matatall, Edward's family, including siblings Richard and Jeannine, moved to Brownsville when he was 7 years old. There Edward excelled in both academics and football, and was a well known swing dancer.
A veteran of over 39 years active duty in the Army, Edward enlisted in 1951 and served as a combat medic in the Korean War. In 1959 he entered the College of Arts and Industries, also enrolling in ROTC. He was commissioned from Javelina Battalion in the Medical Services Corp in 1962. Among the many assignments throughout his career the following stand out: Commander of the 57th Medical Detachment "DUSTOFF" air ambulance during the Vietnam War, Commander of the 326th Medical Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division, and Liaison Officer to the German General Staff at the NATO medical compound in Heidelberg.
Edward earned numerous awards including three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, four awards for Meritorious Service, 38 awards of the Air Medal with three having the "V" device, the Army Commendation Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medical Badge, and a number of foreign decorations.
Upon leaving active duty, Edward relocated to Kingsville where he took up a role teaching History, Government and JROTC at The Academy High School. He became closely involved with Texas A&M University Kingsville's alumni program, giving generously, and establishing scholarships supporting students at Javelina Nation. A strong supporter of all TAMUK Athletics, Edward held season tickets on the 50 yard line of the football field since 1962 and especially loved the Ladies' Volleyball program, recognized as Booster of the Year in 2017.
An avid traveller, Edward and family visited Disneyland many times, toured Germany, Austria and the Alps, the ancient ruins in Rome and Cairo, attended the 70th and 73rd D-Day Anniversary celebrations in Normandy, and made many trips to visit family and friends in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Becoming affectionately known throughout the Kingsville community as "The Colonel", he was not only a father but also a best friend to his children and extended family, as well as their friends, many of whom also regarded him as a father figure. He was quick to laugh and smile, always willing to help others, a champion of animal welfare, experienced a love / hate relationship with the San Antonio Spurs, and the kindest, most generous soul one could meet.
Edward will be interned with full military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, February 23rd, 2018 at 1:30pm - all guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony beginning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the COL Edward J. Preston ROTC Scholarship at Texas A&M Kingsville. These gifts may be made online at http://www.javelinagiving.org
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