Robert U. "Bob" Preston

Robert U. “Bob” Preston, 83, of rural Alger, died 4:21 p.m., Tues. April 2, 2013, at the Lima Memorial Health System, of complications following open heart surgery. He was born Jan. 20, 1930, in the home he lives in today, the son of William M. & Merle E. (Crowe) Preston, who preceded him in death. On July 15, 1951, he married Mary K. Clark, enjoying 61 years of marriage, and she survives. Other survivors include, 3 daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Eckinger, Bolivar, OH, Deb (Dick) Eley, Wapakoneta, Cindy (Larry) Underwood, Alger, 9 grandchildren, Michael Eckinger, Jason (Joyce) Eckinger, Jared Eckinger, Matthew (Erika) Eley, Sarah (Kevin) Bill, Brett Eley, Kelly (Tom) Nienberg, Lucas (Holli) Underwood, & Rob (Michelle) Underwood, 15 great grandchildren, siblings, Sandra (Roger) Newfer, Kenton, Marva Lou ( Bob) Hooper, Springfield, OH, Don (Shirley) Preston, Ada, sisters-in-law, Vida Preston, Dunkirk, & Sharon Preston, McGuffey. He was preceded in death by sisters & brothers-in-law, Helen (Dennis) Hensel, Jeraldine “Jerri” (Chuck) Kahler, & Rosaline Preston, and brothers, Bernard & Irvin Preston. Bob, along with his wife Mary, owned and operated the McGuffey Hardware for 55 years. He also operated an excavating business, owned the Scioto Trucking Co, and worked at Excello Corp., Lima. In his younger years, he raised livestock. He was currently serving as a Marion Twp. Trustee, and had been a member of the Upper Scioto Valley High School Board of Education. A 1947 graduate of McGuffey High School, Bob was a member of the B.P.O.E., Kenton Lodge #157, and former member of the McGuffey Volunteer Fire Dept. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the coffee shop, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren & great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Sat. April 6, 2013, at the Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, OH, with Pastor Don Holbrook officiating. Burial will follow in the Preston Cemetery, Alger, OH. The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Fri. at the funeral home in Ada. Memorial contributions may be directed to the McGuffey Volunteer Fire Dept. or the Alger Volunteer Fire Dept.

Robert U. "Bob" Preston

January 20, 1930 - April 2, 2013