Stuart L. PRESTON

1923 - 2016

PRESTON, Stuart L.
Stuart L. Preston, 92, of Boynton Beach, FL, departed from this life on March 13, 2016 at the home of his son in Fort Worth, TX. Stuart was born July 9, 1923 in Oswego, NY; he was the seventh of eight children. Stuart was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan Raup Preston, as well as three brothers, three sisters, and one grandson. Stuart lived a full and exciting life. He grew up on the family farm in Oswego, NY, enlisted in the Army at age 19 while still in college, went ashore onto Utah Beach at 3PM on D-Day, then participated in five major battles. He served as a forward observer with the 555th SAW and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded six bronze stars, and numerous service metals including the Cross de Guerre from the Belgian government. After the war, Stuart and Joan moved to Pittsfield, MA where he worked as a milkman for Fairdale Farms. They raised six children, all of whom successfully became college educated. Stuart was an active member with the Methodist Church, the Masons and the Shriners. In 1960 the family moved to Bennington, VT and in 1978 Stuart and Joan then moved to Florida. Stuart worked in the nursery business, then as a bank courier until he was 85 years old. He enjoyed playing golf until age 91. For 21 years he lived in Leisureville of Boynton Beach, where he spent free time playing bridge, participating in activities with the VFW, the American Legion, and Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. He was also able to proudly attend the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC in 2004. He is survived by his brother, Clark, son, Stuart W., and five daughters: Lynne, Cheryl, Cynthia, Denise, and Alison, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Stuart's honorably lived life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 101 No Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach on Thursday March 24, 2016. Viewing hours will begin at the church at 10AM, followed by the church service at 11AM, followed by a reception. Burial with full military honors will be held at 2PM at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lane 5, 6501 So State Rd 7, Lake Worth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to South Florida Homeless Veterans Stand Down at http://www.floridaveteransfoundation.org/south-florida-homeless-veterans-stand-down-2/, the First United Methodist Church of Boynton Beach at http://www.fumcbb.com/ or Parkinson's Disease Research at http://support.pdf.org/
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