In Memory Of
William Ray Preston
1933
2016
William Ray Preston
August 27, 1933 — February 20, 2016
William "Bill" Ray Preston, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. He was born August 27, 1933 in Haviland, KS, the son of Charles E. Preston and Leta Ruth Whitney Preston Evans.
Bill's family moved around a great deal during his early school years. He went to a different school almost every year. He graduated from Lakin High School in Lakin, KS in 1951, from Southwestern University in Winfield, KS in 1955 and completed his Master's in Social Work from New York University in New York City in 1958.
Bill met his future wife, Noda Alice Bettis while they were both studying in New York City. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and served in Korea as a Medic. He was a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka where he was active with the Youth and Men's groups. He worked as a social worker for several organizations over the years but most notably for Methodist Youthville in Newton, KS for almost 20 years.
Bill married Noda Alice on June 14, 1958 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was preceded in death by Noda Alice and his parents.
Survivors include his children, James Darrell Preston of Dallas, TX, Glenn Robert Preston and Jeff Wheeler of Kansas City, MO, Steve Preston and Carla Forshee Nelson of Topeka and one granddaughter, Maddie Preston of Dallas. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Ann Finnell. Also surviving are adopted children, Colleen Neel Miser, Kevin Miser and Liz Miser, all of Topeka.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the IOOF Cemetery in Norman, OK.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Highland Park United Methodist Church where the family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604, Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.
Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is assisting the family. To leave the family a special message, please select the share memories option above.
Bill's family moved around a great deal during his early school years. He went to a different school almost every year. He graduated from Lakin High School in Lakin, KS in 1951, from Southwestern University in Winfield, KS in 1955 and completed his Master's in Social Work from New York University in New York City in 1958.
Bill met his future wife, Noda Alice Bettis while they were both studying in New York City. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and served in Korea as a Medic. He was a member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka where he was active with the Youth and Men's groups. He worked as a social worker for several organizations over the years but most notably for Methodist Youthville in Newton, KS for almost 20 years.
Bill married Noda Alice on June 14, 1958 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was preceded in death by Noda Alice and his parents.
Survivors include his children, James Darrell Preston of Dallas, TX, Glenn Robert Preston and Jeff Wheeler of Kansas City, MO, Steve Preston and Carla Forshee Nelson of Topeka and one granddaughter, Maddie Preston of Dallas. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Ann Finnell. Also surviving are adopted children, Colleen Neel Miser, Kevin Miser and Liz Miser, all of Topeka.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the IOOF Cemetery in Norman, OK.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Highland Park United Methodist Church where the family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604, Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.
Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is assisting the family. To leave the family a special message, please select the share memories option above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Ray Preston, please visit our flower store.
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