Samuel L. Preston Jr.

Samuel L. Preston, Jr. of Elmore, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 surrounded by his wife of 54 years, Janet, and his two children, Jennifer and Samuel. Sam devoted his life to his community as reflected in his commitment to a number of community organizations including Elmore Kiwanis, Ottawa County Retired Teachers, Ottawa County Republican Party Central Committee, and Woodmore Board of Education. He attended St. John’s UCC in Elmore where he served as President of the Congregation. As an educator, he served the staffs, students, and families of Warren Elementary (Toledo), Woodmore Intermediate (Woodville), R.C. Waters Elementary (Oak Harbor), Stamm Elementary (Fremont), and Wynford Local Schools (Bucyrus). He treasured his time as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent, which provided him an opportunity to express his love of people and education. Throughout life, he rarely shied away from an opportunity to experience life more fully. He found great joy in the challenges of farming which he described as good, honest work. After retirement, he learned the beauty of sailing and enjoyed sailing his beloved Nicou. Each of these adventures provided him the opportunity to teach others. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel L. Preston, Sr. and Regina (Boedeker) Preston. He leaves his wife, Janet (Riefenstahl) Preston, and his children Jennifer Schibley (Eric) of Elyria and his son COL (Dr.) Samuel L. Preston III of Washington DC, his siblings Robert Preston (Virginia), Natalie Rilling (Chris), and Albert Preston (Tina), his cherished grandchildren Brendan, Kiera, and Marlaina Schibley as well as his nieces and nephews. Prior to his death, Sam reflected on the many students, parents, family, friends and neighbors who blessed him over the years with their support and kindness, and he felt it was important for them to know how much they were loved and appreciated. Services will begin at 11am on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 448 Rice Street, Elmore, OH 43416, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10am. Burial will be in Harris- Elmore Union Cemetery, Elmore, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ or the Ottawa County Community Foundation in Memory of Samuel Preston. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com.