06/02/2026
Willard "Bill" Preston
Born September 1, 1934, in Illinois, Willard “Bill” Preston passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, in Colorado after a brief time in hospice care.
Bill was the oldest of five children. At 17 years old, he took on much of the responsibility of helping raise his younger brothers and sister and was a father figure to his siblings while working nights and attending high school to help support his mother and family.
Bill was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He completed his reserve duty and was honorably discharged in 1963.
Following his military service, Bill returned to work for Silver Cup Bread Company as a delivery driver and eventually advanced into management. In 1960, he met and married the love of his life, Norma Jean (McFarlan) Preston. They shared 61 loving years of marriage. Bill worked hard and never shied away from a challenge. His lifelong friends described him as "one of a kind", "tough as nails" and "a character".
In the late 1960s, Bill began a new career as a commissioned salesman with Eby-Brown Company in McHenry, Illinois. He loved working with people and quickly excelled in sales. In 1973, Bill and Jean built a home in Ringwood, Illinois, where they raised their two daughters. Bill took great pride in caring for his property and loved landscaping and gardening. Having studied agriculture in high school, he maintained a large vegetable garden and found joy in raising food for his family.
Bill’s career with Eby-Brown lasted 45 years, during which he earned numerous sales awards and recognition as one of the company’s top salesmen. The incentive trips he won allowed Bill and Jean to attend two Super Bowls, visit London and Mexico, and travel throughout the United States.
Bill loved to drive and enjoyed his many cars over the years. After surviving a serious automobile accident in the 1950s, thanks in part to lap safety belts he had installed himself, he developed a deep appreciation for safety and resilience. He also loved his Indian motorcycle, snowmobiling, hunting, and family road trips in the GMC motorhome to visit loved ones across the country.
More than anything, Bill valued relationships with others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. He was known for his generous heart, willingness to help others, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor.
Bill actively volunteered at his daughters’ schools and band programs, helping organize fundraising events and sales. He loved entertaining, hosting holidays and gatherings in his home, telling stories and jokes, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed war movies, westerns, RV camping, traveling, and the outdoors. Over his lifetime, he visited most of the United States and five other countries.
In 2006, Bill and Jean moved to Tennessee to be closer to their grandchildren. Ever the salesman, Bill enjoyed attending garage and estate sales and reselling treasures at his booth in the local flea market. In 2018, Bill moved to Colorado to remain near family, where he rarely missed an opportunity to admire the mountains and watch local wildlife. He also loved playing bingo with his neighbors.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Charlene (Preston) Rowe, and her husband Bradley Rowe; his daughter Cheryl Preston, mother of his granddaughter, Erin; and his grandson, Aiden. His brother, Oscar “Bud” and Nancy Preston; his brother-in-law, Rosa Rosario; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Preston; his parents, Oscar H. Preston, and Marie K. Moss; his brothers, Charles “Chuck” Preston, his wife Gladys; and James “Jimmy” Preston and his wife Jean; and his sister, Mary (Preston) Rosario.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
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