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RICHARD PRESTON Obituary
RICHARD L. PRESTON, 84
Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Exxon Exec.
Richard L. "Dick" Preston, of Houston and Delray Beach, FL died peacefully on December 16, 2009 at Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston, TX. Dick was born in Annapolis, MD on August 11, 1925 and moved to Kennett Square, PA, and after high school graduation, he enlisted and served as an Air Force navigator during World War II. While stationed in England, he flew bombing missions over Germany and participated in the effort to airlift concentration camp survivors to safety. Following the war, Dick returned to Kennett Square and married Elizabeth Norris, in a wonderful union that was to last over 61 years. In 1949, Dick graduated from the University of Delaware's Chemical Engineering program and accepted a position with Exxon Mobil; thus beginning what became a 37 year career with the company. He moved to Westfield, NJ, in 1951 before relocating to Houston in 1980. During his career, Dick served in various executive positions within Exxon, primarily in their International and Far Eastern divisions. Dick retired from Exxon in 1986 and enjoyed an active retirement with travel, golf and winters spent at his second home in Delray Beach, FL. An avid golfer, was a member of several golf clubs, including Pine Forest County Club in Houston, and his favorite, Pine Tree CC in Boynton Beach, FL. Dick was an adoring husband, wise and beloved father, and a benevolent grandfather. His is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his son, Richard Preston of New Jersey, daughters Deborah Preston of Seattle and Cynthia Matteson of Houston, and five grandchildren, Andrew Preston, Elizabeth Preston Lord, Jordon Preston, Jeffrey Preston Lord, and Preston Petit. A memorial service will be held December 28th at 3:00 PM at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made out to: University of Delaware- in memory of Richard Preston'49. Donations can be mailed to: Development Services, Rees Hall University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716
Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 27, 2009.