Frederick "Fred" Ivan Preston's Obituary
Frederick Ivan Preston, a life-long resident of Howard and Elk County, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka.
Fred, as he was known, was born October 20, 1933 west of Howard on the family farm to Otis and Hazel (Greenwood) Preston. He was raised on the farm alongside his 8 brothers and sisters, Fred being the oldest son. He rode his horse one and a half miles to attend a one room school house, before having to quit school to help his father full time on the farm due to the death of his uncle.
In September 1974, Fred married Dorothy Ward and became dad to her 3 children. They moved to the family farm in 1975 when Fred’s father retired, and he continued raising crops and cattle. He loved the farm life, and could make anything grow. He was known for his garden, especially his turnips. He continued raising cattle until 2000, when his health began deteriorating, so he and Dorothy retired and moved to Howard. Although retired, he would still be seen at the Eureka Livestock Auction watching the cattle being bought and sold up until just a few weeks ago.
Free time didn’t come around very often, but Fred and Dorothy loved to go camping, and would take their camper to Beaver Lake and spend as much time as they could. They also loved devoting time to their church. Fred became a member of the First Baptist Church in Howard in 1973, and quickly became part of the friendly congregation. He has served as teacher, usher, trustee, and was ordained as deacon on December 9, 1990, which he was very proud of.
Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy Preston
Children
Steven (Loretta) Ward of Gardner
Susan (Justin) Maples of Augusta
Sheryl (Rob) Mackowiak of Chicago
Grandchildren, Bradley Ward, Mike Ward, Brent Burke, Katie Smith, Alex Mackowiak, and Anna Mackowiak
Great-grandchildren, Cooper, Tatum, Seth, Chase, Mikenna, Myla, Maci, Reece
Siblings:
Dennis Preston (Sharon Cowden) of Wichita
Dorothy Walta of Bonner Springs
Sue (Marty) Wacker of Lansing
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, sisters, Ruth Preston, Norma Salisbury and Joyce Lord, brothers, Dean Preston and Orvan Preston, and grandson, Eddie Bonnette
Family will receive friends at visitation on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Howard. Interment will follow in Cresco Cemetery, north of Howard.
Memorial contributions in honor of Fred can be made to the First Baptist Church of Howard and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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