William Franklin “Bill” Preston, 94, of South Hutchinson, passed away peacefully October 12, 2024, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born November 11, 1929, in Hutchinson, to Orville and Alice (Barnes) Preston.
Bill attended Hutchinson and Dodge City schools and Salt City Business College. He served in the United States Marines from 1951-1953. Bill was a long-time employee of 43 years with the Santa Fe railroad from 1948 until he retired in 1991. In his spare time, Bill loved to attend his grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ ball games, family gatherings/BBQs, holidays with all his family. He was an avid bowler and loyal KC Royals fan. Upon retirement, Bill and his wife became “winter Texans” traveling and staying in Crooked Tree and Harlingen with his sister and her husband and several friends. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
On February 1, 1951, Bill married Betty Lou Lyen, in Hutchinson. They shared 72 years of marriage before her death on August 4, 2023.
Bill is survived by: his children, Janice Preston of Haven, Jim Preston (Beth) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jeff Brawner (Callie) of Burrton, Matt Brawner (Amber) of Burrton, Amy Conkling (Jack) of Moundridge, Andy Preston (Emily) of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Bailey Born (Kendell) of Hutchinson, Brooke Brawner of Emporia, Brie Brawner of Hutchinson, Avery Brawner of Burrton, Cole Brawner of Burrton, Lyndi Brawner of Burrton, Mackie Conkling of Moundridge, Brax Conkling of Moundridge, Paisley Preston of Wichita, Reese Preston of Wichita, Blair Preston of Wichita; great-great-grandson, Stetson Born of Hutchinson; great-great-granddaughter, Stella Born of Hutchinson; brothers, David Preston (Shirley) of Lake Jackson, TX, Rick Preston (Betty) of Virginia Beach, VA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; siblings, Alta Mae Altizer, Orville “Bud” Preston, Waneeta Marshall, Hazel Fry, Joetta Isaacs, and Mary Goddard.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard.
The service will be livestreamed on the church’s website.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice House of Reno County, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, or Reno County Veterans’ Memorial, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.