DONALD E PRESTON

Donald E Preston, also known as Papa and Grandpa, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022 at a local hospital at the age of 94. Even though fully vaccinated, Covid-19 took his life in about a week. He was born in Texarkana, TX October 4, 1927 to John Wesley Preston and Edna Earp Preston. He grew up in the Rose Hill community of Texarkana with one younger brother, Harold. His father was a floor finisher and his mother an executive secretary at Red River Army Depot. As soon as he could, even before graduating from high school, he joined the Army during WWII. Don enlisted in the US Army in 1944 and went through basic training at Camp Crowder near Neosho, MO. He was deployed to Europe and stationed several places in France and then to Germany shortly thereafter. That’s where he met and fell in love with Lilly Mongel, a young German girl, while they both worked at the 7772 Army Signal Battalion aka Ginnheim Repeater Station (an outpost of Frankfurt.) The Repeater Station became extremely important because after WWII ended, it was the only unit anywhere that was able to continue transmitting and receiving information from Berlin. It continued in operation until the Berlin Wall was abandoned by the Soviet Union. He and Lilly dated (riding bicycles & having “cokes” together) until he was notified that his deployment was ending and he was going “home” to Texarkana. He knew at that time he did not want to leave Lilly, the love-of-his-life, in Germany when he left. They married in Frankfurt August 11, 1948. Shortly after their marriage, they headed from Germany to New York on a converted Army hospital ship “The Hudelston” for a 16-day Atlantic Ocean voyage. The ship transported several military newlyweds with the men’s cabins below deck and the ladies’ cabins on Deck 3. After their arrival in Texarkana, they led a very modest life, as he worked at the Mail Terminal in downtown Texarkana then at the US Post Office, as well as helping his father in his business. He finished his high school education and then joined the National Guard for three years, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. They were the proud parents of four daughters born between 1950 and 1960. He became very active in NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) and FUSE, which worked many years to assist the residents of Carver Terrace sub-division to relocate after their homes and neighborhood were declared a federal super-site from being contaminated by Creosote. He and Lilly were also very active in the Texarkana Camera Club for many years. He enjoyed coin collecting, gardening and was an avid reader. He was a true supporter of all of his children’s and grandchildren’s endeavors and activities, especially girls’ softball. He attended almost every game, kept score and all statistics. He was preceded in death by Lilly, his loving wife of 72 years, his youngest daughter, Denice Wallace Hollier of Texarkana, his parents, his in-laws, Adolf and Freida Mongel of Frankfurt, Germany, his Great Granddaughter, Genesis Lynn Tommie and several cousins, aunts and uncles. He is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Madelein McBride and Glenn McBride of Jackson, MO; Evelyn Pinkner and Dr. Bobby Pinkner of Texarkana, TX; Donna Jeffus and Mike Jeffus of Texarkana, AR; Grandchildren – Donald Jason McBride and wife, Marianne McBride of Cape Girardeau, MO; Amber Buffington Runion and husband Danny Runion of Texarkana, AR; Amanda Buffington of Texarkana, TX; Tony McBride and Tim McBride of Cape Girardeau, MO; Lewis Todd Wallace of San Diego, CA; Brother, Harold Preston of Texarkana, TX; Great Grandchildren – Adelynn Runion and Alayna Runion of Texarkana, AR; Madelyn McBride of Cape Girardeau, MO; Autumn Wallace and Jace Wallace of San Diego, CA; Eliana Rose Tommie of Texarkana, TX and “bonus” Great Grandchildren, Tucker Runion and Paige Runion of Hope, AR and many friends. He was an amazing man and was loved by all who knew him. The family wants to give special thanks to the employees of the Oaks Assisted Living, Heritage Home Health and Heritage Hospice, Doctors and Nurses at Wadley Hospital for their excellent care. Cremation was administered under the direction of Chapelwood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Chapelwood Funeral Home in Nash, TX at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 12, 2022 with Brad Watson officiating, followed by Ash Burial with Military Honors in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens. Visit www.chapelwoodfuneralhome.com for on-line registration and to view photos.